Rescue Operations Continue Amid Safety Concerns
The death toll from the Gul Plaza disaster has risen to 67, while 77 people remain unaccounted for. So far, authorities have been able to identify only 17 of the victims. Families of the missing have been standing outside the charred building for several days, expressing frustration over the pace of rescue and investigation operations.
Also Read: Deadly Fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza: CCTV Reveals Timeline as Death Toll Rises to 61
Several relatives staged protests, demanding faster recovery of their loved ones. It has been six days since the tragedy, yet there is no news of the missing, said one grieving family member.
Rescue teams have temporarily halted the removal of debris using heavy machinery due to fears that unstable sections of the building could collapse. Despite this, rescuers continue to search through the rubble manually, carefully attempting to locate those trapped under the wreckage.
The Fire That Devastated Gul Plaza
The fire broke out at Gul Plaza on Saturday night, quickly engulfing the building and reducing it to ashes. Eyewitnesses described the blaze spreading rapidly, leaving little time for occupants to escape. Firefighters and emergency personnel worked through the night but struggled to control the inferno due to the building’s flammable interior materials.
Preliminary Investigation Findings
Investigators have prepared an initial report based on eyewitness accounts and statements from those affected. Early findings indicate that the fire was not caused by an electrical short circuit. Instead, it appears to have started in a shop selling artificial flowers. According to sources, children were reportedly playing inside the shop at the time.
The preliminary investigation suggests that the children may have been handling matches or a lighter, which ignited the store’s combustible materials, an official source explained. The fire then spread to the building’s electrical wiring, fueling the rapid expansion of the blaze.
Challenges in Rescue Operations
The building’s structural instability has complicated rescue efforts. Authorities have repeatedly warned that certain sections could collapse at any moment, making it dangerous to use heavy machinery. Rescue teams are now focusing on carefully removing debris by hand, a slow process that has drawn criticism from the victims’ families.
Local officials have pledged to continue efforts until all missing individuals are accounted for. We understand the families’ anguish, a spokesperson said. We are doing everything possible to ensure that every missing person is found.
Public Response and Safety Concerns
The tragedy has sparked widespread public concern about fire safety and building regulations in the area. Gul Plaza, a multi-story commercial complex, was home to numerous small businesses, including shops selling toys, clothing, and decorative items. Experts have noted that many similar buildings in the city lack proper fire safety measures, such as functional alarms, sprinklers, and clear emergency exits.
Civil society groups are calling for stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent similar disasters. Some have also criticized local authorities for insufficient inspections and enforcement of building codes.
A Community in Mourning
As rescue efforts continue, the families of the missing and victims remain in a state of shock and grief. Volunteers, emergency personnel, and neighbors have joined the search, offering support to those affected. Local hospitals are treating survivors for burns and smoke inhalation, while psychological counselors have been deployed to provide emotional support to the grieving families.
The Gul Plaza fire has left a deep scar on the community, highlighting both the dangers posed by unsafe buildings and the urgent need for improved disaster response mechanisms. With 77 people still missing, authorities face an uphill battle to recover lives and provide closure to the families.
