Gul Plaza fire: remains of 40 victims may never be identified

KARACHI: Authorities said on Wednesday they were unlikely to identify the remains of around 40 people killed in a devastating fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza building, as most bodies were burned beyond recognition and usable DNA samples could not be recovered.

The blaze, which raged for hours and took more than 33 hours to bring under control, occurred nearly two weeks ago and left dozens dead.

Officials said only a handful of DNA test results were now expected.

“Many victims’ bodies, even bones, were reduced to ashes, making identification impossible,” Aamir Hassan, head of the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee’s identification project, said.

He said that DNA results were anticipated for only four to five individuals from the remaining samples collected at the site.

Meanwhile, the Karachi Commissioner has prepared the final investigation report on the Gul Plaza tragedy, stating that the fire broke out at a flower shop due to the actions of a child and spread through air-conditioning ducts.

The report confirms that 79 people lost their lives, with the highest number of deaths occurring on the mezzanine floor.

According to sources, the final inquiry report was compiled by a committee comprising the Karachi commissioner and the additional inspector general of police. The Karachi commissioner is expected to present the report to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

Sources said that the report includes details about the causes of the fire, firefighting efforts and rescue operations. It also contains information gathered from victims, eyewitnesses and rescue officials.

The report states that the fire started at a flower shop on the ground floor due to a child’s actions.

It spread rapidly and intensified through the building’s air-conditioning duct system.

The inquiry found that the blaze resulted in 79 deaths, with most fatalities reported on the mezzanine floor of Gul Plaza.

According to the report, the fire broke out at 10:15pm, the first fire tender reached the site at 10:37pm, while the deputy commissioner South arrived at 10:30 pm.

So far, 27 of the 72 victims have been identified, including 20 through DNA analysis, six through facial recognition and one using a national identity card found with the body, according to police surgeon department officials.

Relatives of missing persons have continued to visit hospitals and forensic facilities in search of loved ones, as authorities struggle to complete the identification process.

Hassan said the police surgeon department and the CPLC had provided district officials with ante-mortem data, including victims’ names, evidence of their presence in the building before the fire, videos, mobile phone location records, clothing descriptions and personal belongings.

Authorities have also submitted recommendations on how unidentifiable remains could be handed over to families, including using proof of presence such as phone data and witness statements, though a final decision will rest with the district administration and government.