Negligence cost lives at Gul Plaza

Fire Department report reveals locked emergency exits, chaotic rescue

KARACHI:

A devastating fire at Gul Plaza claimed lives due to glaring safety lapses, according to a detailed report submitted by the city's Fire Department to the judicial inquiry commission. Locked emergency exits, absence of fire alarms and sprinklers, and a lack of trained staff turned the building into a death trap, while traffic and crowds delayed rescue teams in a deadly race against time.

The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Fire Department has submitted its comprehensive report to the judicial inquiry commission investigating the deadly Gul Plaza fire. Chief Fire Officer Muhammad Humayun Khan's report highlights critical safety failures that directly contributed to the tragic loss of life.

The report details that the first call reporting the fire came at 10:26pm, and the first fire tender was dispatched within a minute, arriving at the scene by 10:37pm. However, traffic congestion and large crowds hampered rescue operations. By the time firefighters reached the building, flames and smoke had engulfed the structure.

According to the report, emergency exits leading to upper floors and the basement were locked, power was cut before occupants could safely evacuate, and no emergency lighting was available. The building lacked sprinklers, fire alarms, and trained floor wardens to guide people during the crisis.

Structural weakness became evident when part of the building collapsed around 8:15am, further endangering rescue operations. During the rescue, Firefighter Furqan lost his life, becoming a martyr in the line of duty. The report concluded that the disaster was a result of serious violations of fire safety protocols.