Initial probe reveals children 'playing with matchstick' triggered Karachi Gul Plaza fire

A fire that killed at least 79 people at Karachi’s Gul Plaza shopping complex was reportedly triggered in a ground-floor flower shop by children playing with a matchstick, an initial probe report revealed.

The blaze rapidly engulfed the multi-story building, highlighting serious gaps in fire safety compliance in Pakistan’s largest city.

The fire broke out late on Jan. 17 and raged for nearly two days before being brought under control. Officials confirmed at least 79 deaths, while more than 1,100 shops in the commercial complex were destroyed. Rescue teams completed search and recovery operations on Jan. 26, nearly ten days after the inferno began.

What the report reveals

The investigation, led by the Karachi commissioner in coordination with the additional inspector general, found that the flames spread quickly through the building, fueled by air-conditioning ducts and the internal layout of the plaza.

Eyewitness accounts, testimony from rescue personnel, and on-site inspections formed the basis of the findings.

According to the report, the fire originated in the flower shop when children reportedly playing with a matchstick sparked the blaze. The fire broke out at 10:15 p.m., with the fire brigade alerted at 10:26 p.m. The first fire engine reached the scene at 10:37 p.m., while the Deputy Commissioner South arrived at 10:30 p.m. Rescue 1122 personnel reached the building at 10:53 p.m.

Most fatalities occurred on the mezzanine floor, where smoke and flames trapped occupants. Investigators noted that the building lacked adequate fire exits and safety measures, contributing to the high death toll.

Minister says ‘documentary evidence’ available

Speaking to the media, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the provincial chief executive had tasked the probe team with determining the cause of the fire. The team included senior Karachi police officer Azad Khan, who has a background with the Intelligence Bureau.

“As far as my information goes, two children were playing with a matchstick on the ground floor at the flower shop, while their parents were in another shop, which is also a point of concern,” Memon said. “I have not seen the report, but I am sharing what I know.”

He added that there is evidence, including video footage, supporting this explanation. “We will share everything based on evidence and not hearsay,” he said, emphasizing that the investigation aims to present factual findings.

It is pertinent to mention here that a first information report (FIR) filed on Jan. 23 described the fire as the result of “negligence and carelessness” but did not name any suspects. Police said the case has been registered against unknown persons pending the outcome of the investigation.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had said those responsible would be held accountable once the inquiry is completed. “I will not name anyone at this stage,” he said, adding that systemic failures could not be ruled out.

Authorities emphasized that the findings highlight serious gaps in fire safety enforcement across Karachi’s commercial buildings. The report recommends stricter compliance with regulations, improved emergency preparedness, and regular inspections to prevent similar tragedies.

The Gul Plaza fire is the deadliest in Karachi since a 2012 factory blaze killed more than 260 people, exposing deep-rooted violations of fire safety rules, critics say, many of which remain largely unaddressed.