The death toll in the devastating Gul Plaza fire has risen to 67, while only 17 victims have been formally identified so far, and 77 people remain missing. The tragedy, which occurred on Saturday night, has left families waiting anxiously outside the charred remains of the plaza for days. Many relatives staged protests, expressing frustration over delays in the rescue and investigation process.

Rescue operations have faced significant challenges due to the risk of structural collapse in the damaged building. Authorities temporarily halted debris removal using machinery in parts of the building at risk of falling, slowing down the search for missing persons. Despite the obstacles, rescue teams continue to comb through the rubble, attempting to recover victims trapped under the debris.

Investigators have prepared an initial report using statements from eyewitnesses and affected families. Early findings suggest that the fire was not caused by a short circuit. Instead, authorities say the blaze started in a shop selling artificial flowers, likely during children’s play inside the store. It is believed that children may have been playing with matches or a lighter, igniting the store’s materials.

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From there, the fire spread to nearby electrical wiring, rapidly engulfing the plaza.

Officials are urging caution in crowded commercial areas and emphasizing the importance of fire safety measures, especially in markets with flammable materials. Families of the missing continue to demand faster rescue efforts and transparency in the investigation. The Gul Plaza fire has become one of the deadliest commercial building incidents in recent memory, highlighting the need for stricter safety regulations.