Pakistan: Death toll from Karachi shopping mall fire rises to 79

Local authorities in Karachi, Pakistan, announced on Wednesday that the death toll from the devastating fire that engulfed the Gul Plaza shopping mall has risen to 79. This came after the completion of the final investigation report into the incident, which occurred approximately eleven days ago.

Karachi City Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi stated during a press conference held to present the investigation’s findings that the committee had confirmed 79 deaths as a result of the fire. He also indicated that the final report would be submitted to the Chief Minister of Sindh Province, Murad Ali Shah, for further action. He explained that the committee that prepared the report included the City Commissioner, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, and representatives from civil defense and rescue agencies.

Naqvi indicated that the report contains comprehensive details about the causes of the fire and the sequence of events from the moment the blaze broke out. It also includes the actions taken by the firefighting and rescue teams, as well as precise data on the victims. Furthermore, it includes testimonies from eyewitnesses and emergency officials who participated in responding to the disaster.

Karachi witnessed one of its largest fires in over a decade on January 17. This occurred after a fire broke out suddenly in the Gul Plaza shopping mall, spreading rapidly throughout the complex. This made efforts to control the blaze in the initial hours extremely difficult.

The mall is one of the largest shopping centers in the city, housing approximately 1,200 shops and renowned for its wedding attire. It also features toys, household goods, and a variety of other consumer products. The mall attracts large numbers of shoppers daily, which contributed to the high number of casualties.

The incident sparked widespread grief and anger in Pakistan. This came amidst public demands for stricter safety and fire prevention standards in shopping malls and large markets. There were also calls for accountability for any negligence to prevent similar tragedies from recurring.