Karachi: A massive fire broke out at a factory in Karachi’s Landhi Export Processing Zone on Wednesday morning. Rescue officials believe the Karachi factory fire basement incident began from the lower level of the building.
The fire brigade has labeled it a third-degree fire. At least 16 fire tenders and 2 water bowsers are being used to douse the flames. Emergency teams are working continuously, but the fire remains uncontrolled several hours after it started.
The blaze caused two sections of the factory to collapse one after another. The entire building eventually crumbled, reducing it to rubble. Officials say the fire quickly spread to nearby industrial units, one of which reportedly stores gas cylinders, raising fears of possible explosions.
So far, seven injured workers have been rescued from the debris. Rescue teams have confirmed no casualties as of now. However, they stress the urgent need for more water to prevent further spread.
The Chief Operating Officer of Rescue 1122 stated that firefighting foam may be used if regular methods fail. According to him, complete control over the fire may take another 3 to 4 hours.
Rescue official Abid Sheikh confirmed that while structural damage is severe, there has been no loss of life so far. He urged caution due to the unstable condition of surrounding factories.
A.D. Khawaja, Chairman of the Export Processing Zone, visited the scene. He said the fire was reported around 10:30 AM. The first fire tender arrived from EPZ but was soon joined by more units as the situation worsened.
Khawaja confirmed speaking with the Karachi Commissioner and Rescue 1122 leadership to coordinate further action. He also noted that the affected unit was involved in recycling used clothes.
This is the second major Karachi industrial fire in recent weeks. Experts are calling for urgent reviews of fire safety regulations across the city’s economic zones.
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