New and troubling facts have emerged in the Gul Plaza fire investigation, revealing serious lapses during the deadly incident in Karachi. Police investigators reported that CCTV footage from the mezzanine, first, and second floors could not be recovered, raising concerns about evidence gaps in the ongoing Gul Plaza fire investigation.
Limited CCTV Footage Obtained by Inquiry Committee
The inquiry committee managed to secure only 20 minutes of CCTV footage related to the fire. This footage, primarily from the mezzanine floor, has now been included as part of both the criminal case and the Gul Plaza fire investigation. Officials say the absence of footage from other floors has complicated efforts to fully reconstruct the sequence of events.
Shops Remained Open Long After Fire Broke Out
According to the investigation report, the fire erupted at around 10:15 PM, yet shops remained open even 30 minutes after the blaze began. CCTV footage reportedly shows shopkeepers and customers still sitting inside the building until 11:00 PM, a critical delay that significantly worsened the outcome. These findings form a central part of the Gul Plaza fire investigation.
Evacuation Delays Raised Serious Questions
Investigators noted that fire brigade and rescue teams began spraying water upon arrival instead of immediately focusing on evacuating trapped individuals. While most people managed to escape on their own, 25 to 30 individuals remained inside, taking shelter in the Dubai Crockery Shop. This delay is now a key concern in the Gul Plaza fire investigation.
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Shopkeepers Allegedly Prevented Escape
Witness statements reveal that shopkeepers at the Dubai Crockery Shop allegedly stopped people from leaving, assuring them that the fire would soon be extinguished. A rescuer who was also a shopkeeper told investigators that he guided nearly 150 customers to safety, but when he urged those inside the Dubai Crockery Shop to leave, the shopkeepers refused. This revelation has become one of the most disturbing aspects of the Gul Plaza fire investigation.
Victims’ Remains Found Inside Shop
Authorities confirmed that the remains of around 30 individuals were later recovered from inside the Dubai Crockery Shop. Investigators believe these victims might have survived had they been allowed to exit in time. The Gul Plaza fire investigation is now focusing on determining criminal negligence and responsibility for preventing evacuation.
Accountability and Safety Oversight Under Scrutiny
Officials say the Gul Plaza fire investigation will also examine building safety violations, emergency response protocols, and the conduct of shop owners during the incident. The findings are expected to play a crucial role in shaping legal action and future fire safety regulations in commercial buildings across Karachi.
