Medical-legal teams strive to identify the remains of at least 37 confirmed deaths despite the intensity of the burns
Clouds of smoke billow from Karachi’s Gul Square following a massive fire. Photo: INP
KARACHI:
At least 12 more people who died in the Gul Plaza fire have been identified through geotagging, bringing the number of identified deceased to 42, Sindh Police confirmed on Thursday.
Currently, forensic units of Sindh Police and Punjab Urban Search and Rescue Force (USAR) are carrying out a joint investigation, using ARSEN technology, which is based on the collection and examination of digital evidence from sites affected by structure fires.
On Thursday, the remains of at least three members of a family were identified, Umar Nabeel, his wife, Dr. Ayesha, and their son Ali, all residing in north Nazimabad. Additionally, the remains of Khizar Ali, Haider Ali, Aamir Ali, Abu Bakar, Yaseen, Sadaqatullah, Yousaf Khan, Nematullah and Abdullah were also identified by geotagging mobile devices and other personal belongings.
Read: Gul Plaza fire investigation finds fire started at flower shop and spread through air conditioning ducts
A medico-legal team led by Karachi Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed is still at the scene, collecting remains of the deceased, recovering samples and sending them for forensic tests. The Sindh Citizen Police Liaison Committee is confirming the names of the deceased and helping bereaved families collect the remains for last rites.
Previously, at least 23 of the 79 confirmed victims of the tragedy had been identified through DNA tests, another six through facial recognition and one through their Computerized National Identity Document (CNIC).
Read: FIR caught over deadly Gul Plaza fire; structural safety review underway
On Wednesday, an inquiry committee headed by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hasan Naqvi and comprising AIG Javed Alam Odho released the final report of the fire investigation, confirming that the flames ignited at a flower shop around 10.15 pm, spread rapidly through the air-conditioning ducts and evolved into an inferno.
The report attributed the origin of the fire to an accident caused by children playing with matches. The Fire Department was first alerted at 10:26 p.m., South Deputy Commissioner Javed Nabi Khoso arrived at the scene at 10:30 p.m., followed by the first fire patrol at 10:37 p.m. and Rescue 1122 personnel at 10:53 p.m.
Most of the deaths were attributed to the mezzanine level of the shopping plaza.
on the Gul Plaza fire was prepared by a committee comprising Karachi Commissioner Syed Hasan Naqvi and Additional Inspector General Javed Alam Odho.
