KARACHI: As investigations continue into the deadly Gul Plaza fire, experts say most victims likely died from toxic smoke and suffocation rather than direct burns, raising serious questions about building safety and the effectiveness of rescue efforts.
Medical specialists explained that in most fire incidents, smoke inhalation is the leading cause of death. Toxic gases — especially carbon monoxide — rapidly replace oxygen in the bloodstream, depriving the brain and heart of oxygen and causing dizziness, breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness and, within minutes, death.
Doctors noted that in dense smoke conditions, a person can collapse within four to five minutes, while prolonged exposure can prove fatal within 10 to 12 minutes. This suggests many of those trapped in Gul Plaza likely lost consciousness early and died before the flames engulfed their bodies.
Experts added that fires involving mixed commercial materials produce multiple poisonous fumes, increasing the lethality of smoke. The severely burned remains recovered from the site point to prolonged exposure to extreme heat, which can destroy DNA and even reduce bones to ash.
Officials said some bodies may have been exposed to fire for more than 35 hours, explaining the extent of cremation and the difficulty in identification.
Eyewitness footage circulating on social media showed several victims attempting to escape and calling for help, indicating that some survived for a period before being overcome by smoke.
Fire safety officials stressed that proper ventilation systems are critical in large buildings to limit smoke buildup and allow safe evacuation. They said many structures fail to meet these standards, significantly increasing casualties during fires.
Journalists who covered the blaze said even standing at a distance was difficult due to thick fumes, underlining the near-impossibility of survival for those trapped inside.
Survivor Azra Raees said she began losing consciousness as smoke spread rapidly through the building and credited her husband with guiding her to safety.
Experts and observers have now questioned whether faster and more effective rescue operations, along with better building safety measures, could have reduced the death toll.