Rescue officials have confirmed that the identities of 69 people who lost their lives in the Gul Plaza tragedy have been established so far. At the same time, the process of handing over bodies to families continues in phases.
According to officials, the bodies of 27 victims, including four women, will be handed over to their relatives today, raising the total number of bodies released to families to 66.
Rescue authorities stated that the bodies of three victims are still kept at the morgue, as their identification has yet to be completed, and efforts are ongoing to confirm their identities.
Meanwhile, the investigation report prepared by the government-appointed committee into the Gul Plaza tragedy has also been released, highlighting serious negligence and failures on the part of the fire brigade and police.
According to the report, the fire broke out at around 10:15 pm on the ground floor at the New Tokal Flower and Gift Shop. The shop owner had left his 11-year-old son at the shop, who lit a matchstick that accidentally fell on artificial flowers, triggering the blaze. Due to the presence of flammable material, the fire spread rapidly.
The report stated that the security guard switched off the electricity approximately five minutes after the fire started. At the same time, an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 people were present inside the building at the time, significantly worsening the emergency.
It further revealed that unsafe electrical wiring, air conditioners, and exposed pipes intensified the fire. The report noted that apart from the basement, the building lacked a central air-conditioning system, and within a very short time, the fire spread through AC ducts to the roof near the outer gates, severely affecting evacuation and rescue operations.
