Fire in RJ Mall spread due to poor quality of electrical, false ceiling installations, reveals probe

A four-member committee headed by DIG East Ghulam Azfar Mahesar has issued a report on the recent fire incident in RJ Shopping Mall on Rashid Minhas Road in Gulshan Iqbal, stating that it was caused by an electric short circuit.

According to the report, the fire started due to the sparking of electrical wires in the commercial building and spread due to poor quality of electrical and false ceiling installations.

CCTV footage showed that the blaze began in the cafeteria on the fourth floor at 6:12am, it said.

The report pointed out that the building lacked proper fire exits and equipment, did not have a completion certificate, and lacked an automatic fire safety system, as required by Chapters 84 and 88 of the bylaws.

It attributed the responsibility for the fire damage to the building owner and management, recommending legal action against them.

The report emphasised inspections and approvals by relevant institutions, and suggested regular fire prevention exercises. The elevator on the fourth floor of the building was sealed for better ventilation, it added.

The investigation team grilled officials of 12 institutions, the owners of the building, the security in-charge, the administration, and the families of the deceased. It also recommended compensation for the victims. Experts from NED University also gave their opinion in the report.