Fire guts factories in Karachi’s Landhi zone, 5 injured

Karachi: A massive fire broke out in the Landhi Export Processing Zone, destroying three factories and injuring five individuals. Efforts are still underway to extinguish the blaze in a fourth factory.

According to the Chief Fire Officer, the fire erupted in one of the factories within the Landhi Export Processing Zone. The Central Command and Control of Rescue 1122 Sindh was immediately alerted, and fire and rescue teams rushed to the scene.

In total, 11 fire tenders from Rescue 1122 and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), one snorkel, and two ambulances were dispatched to the site. However, the firefighting operation faced difficulties due to thick smoke and a shortage of water. Despite the challenges, Rescue 1122 teams are continuing their efforts to control the fire.

Dr. Abid Jalaluddin Shaikh, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Rescue 1122, stated that the fire started early Sunday morning and spread rapidly to adjacent factories due to the presence of highly flammable materials.

He noted that firefighters initially struggled with low water supply and heavy smoke, which hampered the operation.

According to a Rescue 1122 spokesperson, three factories have been completely destroyed, while firefighting efforts are ongoing in a fourth. More than 20 fire tenders are actively working to contain the fire.

The spokesperson also confirmed that five individuals were injured in the incident and were transported to a hospital. Additionally, three of the affected factories have been declared unsafe due to structural damage.