KARACHI: A technical team from NED University of Engineering and Technology has visited the site of the recent Gul Plaza tragedy to carry out a detailed investigation and survey of multiple locations within the building. The visit comes as part of a broader effort to understand the circumstances that led to the devastating fire, which completely destroyed the commercial building on the night of January 17.

Authorities from the police and district administration accompanied the team throughout the inspection, providing full access to the site and supporting the technical assessment. The investigation team, comprising experts in urban search and structural analysis, conducted a thorough examination of the building’s interior and exterior to determine the structural weaknesses that may have contributed to the disaster.

According to officials from the Urban Search team, the inspection included careful marking of areas that were deemed dangerous or structurally compromised. In multiple sections of Gul Plaza, the team marked the letter “H,” indicating hazardous zones and areas at risk of collapse. These markings are crucial for guiding ongoing rescue, investigation, and cleanup operations, as well as ensuring the safety of personnel working inside the damaged structure.

The technical team focused on identifying points of failure within the building’s construction, including stairwells, exits, and structural supports. Their assessment will contribute to recommendations for improved building safety standards and emergency response protocols in the future. The authorities emphasized that the investigation aims not only to determine the cause of the fire but also to prevent similar tragedies in other commercial and high-rise buildings across Karachi.

In addition to structural analysis, forensic experts are examining the site for human remains and evidence related to the victims of the incident. According to the In-Charge of the Civil Police Identification Project (CPLC), human remains recovered from the site have been carefully documented and transported to hospitals for identification.

Police Surgeon Dr. Sumaiya Tariq confirmed that, to date, a total of 71 bodies and human remains have been brought to hospitals. Of these, 22 victims have been positively identified through conventional means, six were immediately recognizable, and the identities of 15 others have been determined through DNA testing. This painstaking identification process reflects the authorities’ commitment to ensuring that every victim is accounted for and that their families receive accurate information.

The Gul Plaza fire, which erupted on the night of January 17, rapidly engulfed the 12-story commercial complex, leaving extensive destruction in its wake. Emergency response teams, including firefighters and medical personnel, worked tirelessly to evacuate residents and manage the blaze. Despite their best efforts, the fire caused significant casualties and rendered the entire building structurally unsafe.

The ongoing technical investigation by NED University experts is expected to provide critical insights into the factors that contributed to the building’s collapse and the high number of casualties. Officials stressed that the combination of fire safety lapses, structural weaknesses, and inadequate emergency measures could have played a role in exacerbating the disaster. By conducting a scientific and technical review, authorities hope to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Police and district administration officials highlighted the importance of collaboration between technical experts, forensic teams, and law enforcement. The coordinated effort ensures that all aspects of the incident, from human remains recovery to structural assessment, are thoroughly documented. Detailed surveys and forensic examinations will serve as the basis for formal reports, which may inform legal proceedings, policy reforms, and improvements in fire safety regulations.

Families of the victims have been closely following the investigation and expressed gratitude for the systematic approach being taken by authorities. Many residents praised the professionalism of the technical and forensic teams, noting that their detailed work helps bring clarity and accountability in the wake of such a tragic event.

Authorities have also emphasized public safety during ongoing investigations. With certain sections of the building still at risk of collapse, the “H” hazard markings and cordoned-off zones are intended to prevent further injuries to rescue personnel, investigators, and any remaining visitors to the site. Emergency services continue to monitor the area closely as work proceeds.

The Gul Plaza tragedy has sparked wider discussions about building safety standards, fire safety compliance, and emergency preparedness in Karachi. Officials have reiterated the need for strict enforcement of construction regulations, proper installation of fire safety equipment, and timely inspections of commercial properties. The findings from the NED University technical team are expected to inform these efforts and strengthen the city’s overall approach to disaster prevention and management.

In summary, the visit by the NED University technical team represents a critical step in the comprehensive investigation of the Gul Plaza incident. Through structural surveys, hazard markings, and forensic assessments, authorities aim to understand the causes of the disaster, identify responsibilities, and develop measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The careful documentation of human remains and ongoing DNA identification processes underscore the commitment to providing closure for victims’ families while enhancing overall safety standards in Karachi’s high-rise commercial buildings.