KARACHI:

The chilling facts surrounding the Gul Plaza fire disaster are now emerging before the judicial commission, where questions about the performance of rescue teams, fire brigades, and local authorities are being probed under the leadership of Justice Agha Faisal.

In a recent hearing, the commission heard the testimonies of various officials, including Chief Fire Officer Muhammad Humayun Khan, who shed light on the devastating events. It was revealed that the building lacked crucial emergency lighting, and blocked escape routes were major contributors to the tragic loss of life. Traffic congestion on city roads also significantly delayed the fire brigade’s response.

The commission was told that there were no emergency exit signs or adequate lighting, making evacuation even more difficult for people trapped inside. It was pointed out that if guards had opened the doors during the fire, many lives could have been saved. Chief Fire Officer Khan explained that power shutdowns, as per protocol in fire emergencies, worsened the situation, contributing to further fatalities. He noted that if the emergency lights had functioned, the damage could have been minimised.

Rescue efforts also faced significant challenges, with fire trucks being delayed due to traffic, and limited access to the upper floors of the building. The fire spread rapidly through the building, and efforts to contain it were complicated by structural issues and the sheer scale of the blaze. According to Chief Fire Officer Khan, the heat of the fire reached 1200°C, with water being vaporised almost instantly due to the extreme temperatures.

The commission also explored the lack of a coordinated response from rescue agencies. While KMC was the first to respond, the delay in coordination and insufficient firefighting equipment exacerbated the situation. It was revealed that the fire brigade had only a few available vehicles at the time, whereas KMC had more equipment at hand. Khan stated that if all agencies had acted swiftly, many of the casualties could have been avoided.

During the investigation, the issue of building safety was raised. The building’s layout and design, including the presence of false ceilings that quickly fuelled the fire, were noted as critical factors.