Authorities investigating the Gul Plaza fire tragedy in Karachi have reconstructed a detailed timeline of the deadly blaze using CCTV footage, as the death toll climbed to 61, with fears that more victims may still be trapped inside the building.
According to officials, the fire broke out at the rear side of Gul Plaza at 10:07pm, while ambulances began arriving by 10:12pm. CCTV evidence shows flames becoming visible on the M.A. Jinnah Road-facing side at 10:18pm, indicating that the fire spread from the back to the front of the building in just 11 minutes.
Investigators revealed that most exits of the shopping centre were locked at the time of the incident, leaving only two escape routes open. Several trapped individuals reportedly tried to break down doors in a desperate attempt to flee as smoke and fire engulfed the plaza.
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Search and rescue teams, assisted by heavy machinery, continue debris-clearing operations, breaking concrete beams and roof slabs to reach trapped victims. Due to the severe condition of the remains, bodies recovered from the site have been shifted to Civil Hospital Karachi for DNA identification.
Authorities confirmed that remains of 20 to 25 victims were recovered from a single crockery shop, significantly increasing the overall death toll. DIG South Asad Raza said several bodies were found on the mezzanine floor, where people had reportedly locked themselves inside a shop in a bid to survive.
“The last mobile phone locations of these victims were also traced to the same spot,” DIG Raza said, adding that the rescue operation on the third floor was temporarily suspended after reports emerged of people trapped on the mezzanine level.
Multiple videos recorded during the fire have surfaced on social media, showing people trapped inside Gul Plaza searching desperately for escape routes amid thick smoke and flames. Authorities have temporarily halted debris removal, prioritizing the recovery of bodies, while warning that the death toll may rise further as operations continue.
