Karachi factory fire continues to burn after 29 hours

KARACHI: Officials stated on Monday that firefighters have not been able to fully extinguish the massive blaze that broke out at a factory in the Landhi Export Processing Zone early Sunday morning, despite more than 29 hours of efforts.

The fire brigade reported that chemicals in the factory and strong winds rapidly spread the fire, engulfing an adjacent clothing warehouse and a plastic manufacturing unit.

The fire destroyed one factory and rendered another structurally unsafe. Officials have not yet determined the cause of the fire.

At least five firefighters sustained injuries while trying to extinguish the raging blaze. More than 20 fire tenders are actively participating in the firefighting operation at the scene.

Rescue 1122 officials reported that the fire broke out in the factory located in the Landhi Export Processing Zone in the early hours of the day. The fire rapidly spread and engulfed three nearby factories due to the presence of combustible materials.

Officials said that at least five firefighters sustained injuries after a portion of the affected building collapsed. They also declared the fire a “third-degree” blaze.

Rescue officials said they immediately shifted the injured Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) firemen to the hospital. They added that one of the injured was in critical condition.

They added that the factory stored clothes, chemicals, and other items, and that officials had not yet determined the cause of the blaze.

The emergency service department said it received information about the fire at 4:50 am. Authorities declared the buildings affected by the blaze unsafe.

The service’s chief operating officer told the media that dense smoke and a shortage of water were hindering their rescue operation.

Last month, a fire destroyed inventory worth millions of rupees at a garments factory near Murtaza Chowrangi in Landhi.

The blaze erupted suddenly in a multi-storey factory, and the flames quickly intensified, prompting police and rescue teams to respond immediately.

Firefighters used smoke injectors to ventilate the building and remove toxic fumes. After nearly three hours of continuous effort, they brought the fire under control.