Final investigation reveals fire began at flower shop, spread via AC ducts
Karachi, Pakistan | Web Desk — The final investigation report into the tragic Gul Plaza fire has concluded that the deadly blaze was accidentally started by children at a flower shop on the ground floor, resulting in 79 fatalities, officials confirmed.
According to sources, the report was compiled by a committee comprising the Karachi Commissioner and Additional Inspector General (IG) and will be formally submitted to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.
The investigation states that the fire spread rapidly through air-conditioning ducts, allowing flames and smoke to engulf upper floors within minutes. The highest number of deaths occurred on the mezzanine floor, where victims were reportedly trapped due to dense smoke and limited escape routes.
The report includes detailed findings on the causes of the fire, firefighting response, and rescue operations, along with testimonies from victims, eyewitnesses, and rescue officials.
Sources further revealed that the fire erupted at 10:15 pm, while the first fire tender reached the scene at 10:37 pm. The Deputy Commissioner South arrived at 10:30 pm, shortly after the incident was reported.
The tragedy has once again raised serious questions about fire safety measures, emergency response delays, and building compliance in Karachi’s commercial centers.
