KARACHI (Web Desk) – A fire broke out at an old clothes factory in the Landhi Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Karachi, leaving two men and a woman in critical condition due to smoke inhalation, according to reports.
Fire brigade officials said the blaze at the factory was classified as a third-degree fire, prompting authorities to call for additional fire tenders. At present, 11 Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) fire tenders, two water tankers and a snorkel are engaged in firefighting operations, while more fire tenders have also been requested.
According to fire brigade officials, the fire initially broke out on the ground floor before spreading to the two upper floors of the building. They said the smoke coming from the fire was extremely intense, making it necessary for firefighters to carry out the operation from outside the building.
A security guard said the factory workers evacuated the premises after smoke began emerging. According to the SSP Malir, no loss of life has been reported so far, as all workers inside the factory were evacuated before the fire could spread.
Sources said a woman whose condition deteriorated due to smoke inhalation was shifted to Jinnah Hospital by a Chhipa ambulance.
The EPZ security authorities took precautionary measures and prevented employees working at other companies in the area from entering the premises.
The SSP Malir said firefighters were facing no other challenge apart from controlling the blaze. He added that the affected factory contained a stock of old clothes, which was present inside the building.
According to the Sindh Rangers spokesperson, Rangers personnel also joined the rescue operation after immediately reaching the site in view of the seriousness of the incident. Rangers personnel are assisting fire brigade and rescue teams in firefighting, relief and rescue activities.
The Rangers spokesperson said a heavy contingent had been deployed around the affected building to maintain traffic flow and ensure the safety of citizens. The spokesperson said protecting human lives and preventing the fire from spreading further were the top priorities.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the fire at the clothes factory in Landhi and directed the authorities to ensure the safety of people present at the factory.
The chief minister also directed the relevant departments to use all available resources to bring the fire under control and sought a report on the situation from the Karachi commissioner and the concerned administration.