A garment factory in the Export processing Zone in Landhi Karachi has caught fire on Monday afternoon. Rescue teams and firebrigades have reached the site. A section of the building has reportedly collpased due to its intensity.
Two men and a woman have reportedly fallen critically ill due to suffocation caused by the fire.
According to fire officials, the blaze has become out of control and they are having a tough time in dousing the fire. 11 fire fighter vehicles have been plaed on site to control the fire.
According to fire brigade officials, the fire at a factory in the EPZ has been declared a third-degree fire. Additional fire tenders have been called in.
Due to the intensity of the flames, it could take 10 to 12 hours to extinguish the blaze, according to fire fighter officials.
Fire brigade officials said the fire initially broke out on the ground floor before spreading to the two upper floors. The smoke from the fire is extremely dense, so firefighters are carrying out the operation from outside the building.
According to Chhipa sources, a woman who fell unconscious due to suffocation was shifted to Jinnah Hospital in a Chhipa ambulance.
EPZ security officials have taken precautionary measures and stopped employees working at other companies from entering the area.
SSP Malir said there were no reports of casualties in the incident. All workers inside the factory were evacuated before the fire spread. Fire brigade officials are making efforts to bring the blaze under control.
The police officer said there was no challenge other than firefighting. The affected factory had a stock of old clothes.
Part of factory collapses
A section of the factory has collapsed due to the intesne fire, according to resuce officials. The fire has also spread to a nearby factory as the fire officials continue their efforts to extinguish the fire.
Sindh Rangers
Sindh Rangers have also arrived at the scene to help with rescue work and maintain the flow of traffic in the area.
According to a Sindh Rangers spokesperson, Rangers personnel are also taking part in the rescue operation. Rangers officials immediately reached the site due to the seriousness of the incident.
Rangers personnel are working alongside fire brigade and rescue teams and actively participating in relief and rescue operations.
The Sindh Rangers spokesperson said a heavy contingent had been deployed around the affected building. The move aims to maintain traffic flow and ensure public safety.
The spokesperson said protecting human lives and preventing the fire from spreading further were the top priorities.
CM takes notice
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the fire at a garment factory in Landhi. He directed authorities to ensure the safety of everyone present at the factory.
The chief minister directed the relevant departments to use all available resources to control the fire. He also sought a report on the situation from the Karachi commissioner and relevant administration.
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