KARACHI – Heart-wrenching details have emerged regarding the Gul Plaza fire tragedy during a hearing of the Judicial Commission led by Justice Agha Faisal at the Sindh High Court. The inquiry focused on systemic failures, rescue performance, and the lethal conditions inside the building.
Extreme Heat and Tactical Challenges
Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Humayun Khan delivered a sobering testimony, stating that the intensity of the fire was so extreme that temperatures reached 1,200 degrees Celsius, causing water from fire tenders to evaporate instantly into steam. He explained that staircases to the first and second floors were obstructed, and the building’s ramp became blocked after the front portion collapsed. Furthermore, the presence of false ceilings in shops accelerated the fire’s spread and generated highly toxic smoke. Firefighters were forced to cut through grills and windows to recover bodies, while traffic congestion significantly delayed the arrival of the 15 fire tenders and 2 snorkels deployed to the scene.
Infrastructure Failures
The commission was informed that Gul Plaza lacked functional emergency lights. Director General of Rescue 1122, Wajid Sibghatullah, explained that while SOPs require power to be cut during a fire to prevent further hazards, the resulting darkness meant people on the ground floor could not find exits, leading to several fatalities. The Chief Fire Officer remarked that if a public announcement had been made for watchmen to open all doors immediately, many lives could have been saved.
The Water Crisis
During the questioning, Justice Agha Faisal raised concerns about the reliance on water tankers for firefighting. The CFO highlighted a critical flaw in Karachi’s infrastructure, noting that fire stations often lack dedicated water tanks. He urged that a permanent solution requires the Water Corporation to provide direct, high-pressure lines to all fire stations to ensure a continuous supply during emergencies.
Conflicting Statements
While rescue officials pointed toward blocked exits, the President of the Gul Plaza Association, Tanveer Pasta, claimed that all 16 ground-floor exits were open. He stated the fire broke out at 10:10 AM and the area’s power was shut down within 8 minutes. The Judicial Commission has now issued a questionnaire to the rescue departments and summoned the association president for further questioning. The hearing has been adjourned until today at 10:30 AM.
