A massive fire ripped through a garments factory in the Landhi Export Processing Zone on Thursday, completely engulfing the unit and causing the building to collapse, officials and rescue sources confirmed.
All workers were safely evacuated before the collapse. According to details, the blaze spread rapidly, forcing factory management to immediately clear the premises. Seven fire tenders and a snorkel were initially dispatched to the scene, while reinforcements from across the city were later called in as the fire intensified.
The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation fire brigade officials said two firefighters sustained injuries during the operation due to dense smoke and falling debris. The dangerous conditions significantly hampered the firefighting efforts, they added.
A spokesperson for Rescue 1122 said their command and control centre received the emergency alert shortly before noon, after which fire tenders and rescue teams, including ambulances, were rushed to the site.
Teams from neighbouring industrial units also joined the operation while the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) also activated an emergency response at the direction of CEO Ahmed Ali Siddiqui, placing the Landhi and Sherpao hydrants on high alert to ensure uninterrupted water supply to the firefighting teams.
A KWSC spokesperson said water tankers were dispatched immediately and Hydrants Cell Incharge Muhammad Siddiq Tanyu maintained constant contact with the fire brigade and rescue officials. Focal Person Shahbaz Bashir personally monitored the operation on site.
The incident took place three weeks after a sudden fire gutted several stalls at Lunda Bazaar near Lighthouse, reducing clothing stalls to ashes. Rescue teams at that time had also battled intense flames fueled by fabric and plastic items.
As of the latest reports, the cause of Thursday’s factory fire remains unknown, while dense plumes of smoke continued to blanket the surrounding area. Authorities moved nearby workers and residents to a safe distance. Firefighting operations were going on at the time this report was filed.
