Three people, including a woman, reportedly suffered breathing difficulties after a fire broke out at an old-clothes factory in the Landhi Export Processing Zone (EPZ) on Monday.
According to a fire brigade spokesperson, the blaze was classified as a third-degree fire, prompting authorities to call in additional firefighting resources. As many as 11 KMC fire tenders, two water tankers and a snorkel were deployed to extinguish the blaze, while more fire tenders were also summoned.
The spokesperson said the fire initially broke out on the ground floor before spreading to the two upper floors. The smoke was extremely intense, forcing firefighters to conduct the operation from outside the building.
Rescue officials declared the factory building dangerous and structurally unsafe. All employees inside the factory evacuated the premises after smoke began emerging. Police said no fatalities had been reported and that all workers had been evacuated before the fire spread.
According to volunteers of a welfare organisation, a woman whose condition deteriorated due to smoke inhalation was shifted to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre for treatment. The EPZ security authorities cordoned off the affected area and barred employees of other companies from entering as a precautionary measure. The affected factory contained a large stock of old clothes, which contributed to the intensity of the blaze.
Meanwhile, Sindh Rangers personnel also joined the rescue operation. According to a Rangers spokesperson, personnel reached the scene shortly after being informed about the severity of the incident and assisted fire brigade and rescue teams.
A heavy contingent of Rangers was deployed around the building to maintain traffic flow andensure the safety of citizens. The spokesperson said protecting human lives and preventing the fire from spreading further remained the top priority.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and directed the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of people at the factory. The chief minister also ordered all available resources to be utilised to control the blaze and sought a report on the situation from the Karachi commissioner and the relevant administration.
Meanwhile, a K-Electric spokesperson said a team was present at the site to support the local administration in relief and emergency response efforts. The KE’s infrastructure remains safe and unaffected.
