A major fire broke out at a garment factory in Karachi’s Landhi Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) on Thursday, injuring at least seven people. The fire caused significant structural damage, including the collapse of the factory building, and forced extensive rescue operations. Firefighters continue to battle the blaze, which has been burning for over four hours.
A devastating fire erupted at a garment factory in Karachi’s Landhi Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) on Thursday, leaving seven people injured. The blaze quickly spread through the building, which led to a partial collapse. According to authorities, rescue teams are still working to control the fire, which has been ongoing for more than four hours despite the efforts of local fire brigades.
The fire started on the first floor of the factory, which primarily recycles second-hand clothing. It soon spread to four other factories, intensifying due to the presence of chemicals in the building. In total, 12 fire tenders and two snorkels have been deployed in an effort to extinguish the flames. Workers from the basement of the factory were safely evacuated, and nearby buildings were also cleared as a precautionary measure to prevent further casualties.
Source: Dawn
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took immediate notice of the situation, directing fire brigades and rescue teams to prioritize the protection of human life. “The safety of workers is paramount,” he emphasized, instructing the Karachi commissioner to investigate the cause of the incident. It was reported that between 1,200 and 1,500 workers were present in the factory when the fire began.
Despite the ongoing efforts, Chief Fire Officer Muhammad Humayun stated that the full extent of the damage will not be clear until the debris is fully cleared, which could take several days. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, and investigations are underway. This incident adds to the growing concerns about fire safety in Karachi, especially in industrial areas where safety measures are often inadequate.
Source: Dawn
This isn’t the first major fire to occur in the Landhi area. A similar incident occurred in June, when five firefighters were injured while trying to control a fire at another factory in the same zone. These recurring incidents highlight the urgent need for stricter fire safety protocols and better infrastructure in factories across the city.
