Karachi to seal fire-hit Gul Plaza after search nears completion

DC says final inspection underway; 79 people still listed as missing

KARACHI:

The search operation at Karachi’s fire-hit Gul Plaza building is nearing completion and the structure will be sealed after a final inspection, Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso said on Monday, as the death toll rose to 73.

Personnel from the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation have begun sealing work at the site, digging pits around the building to install iron shuttering. Officials said the structure will also be enclosed with green plastic netting as part of the process.

Speaking to reporters, Khoso said the nine-day search operation would conclude after a final review by a survey team later on Monday, after which the affected building would be sealed. He said the ground floor and mezzanine first floor of Gul Plaza had been fully cleared, while one section of the building remained to be searched.

Khoso said 79 people are still listed as missing. DNA samples have so far been collected from the families of 55 victims, while relatives of 13 individuals have been given until Monday to submit samples. Authorities will assume claims are incorrect if families fail to come forward, he added. Khoso said identification of 23 victims has been completed, including six identified on the first day, and noted that some families include multiple missing relatives.

Read: Sukkur resident killed in Gul Plaza laid to rest

He urged the public to avoid entering the building, saying the structure has been marked. The deputy commissioner said data related to 30 bodies has been sent to the government for compensation payments and that cheques will be distributed to heirs after verification.

Separately, SSP City Arif Aziz said a case related to the Gul Plaza fire was registered a day earlier and statements are being recorded as part of the investigation. He said statements of six security guards and 10 other individuals have been recorded.

Read more: CM Murad orders fire safety audit of major buildings

Aziz said investigators are examining possible negligence and analysing extensive data recovered from a DVR found in the building, including why doors were closed and not opened after the fire broke out.