Fire Breaks Out at Karachi’s Landhi Export Processing Zone Factory, No Casualties Reported

Firefighters Use Snorkels, Water Bowsers to Control Blaze

Sindh Chief Minister Seeks Detailed Report, Orders Instant Emergency Response

KARACHI:  A huge fire erupted in a factory located in the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) of Landhi on Friday night, prompting a large-scale emergency response by firefighters as authorities said there were no immediate reports of casualties.

Advisor to Sindh Chief Minister for Rehabilitation Gianchand Esrani said in a statement that the Central Command and Control of Rescue 1122 was immediately notified, and fire and rescue teams, along with ambulances and fire brigade trucks, rushed to the site, as efforts to control the blaze are currently ongoing.

“Ten fire brigade vehicles and two snorkel units are actively engaged in combating the fire using modern firefighting equipment,” Esrani said, adding that rescue teams were continuously working to protect lives and property. He also directed teams to maintain rapid and coordinated operations at the scene. Rescue 1122 spokesperson Hassaanul Haseeb Khan that the fire had erupted in a plastic factory located inside the zone.

He said at present, six fire tenders were busy controlling the flames, but the fire was intense. He said the blaze had erupted on the ground floor, engulfing the first floor. Haseeb Khan expressed the fear that the blaze would engulf another floor of the industrial unit.

He said that fire tenders and snorkels had been called from across the metropolis to meet any eventuality. However, he said at present, no casualties had been reported.

CM Sindh Takes Notice of Karachi Factory Fire

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and sought a detailed report from the Karachi commissioner, according to a statement from his office. He issued emergency instructions to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and fire services, directing authorities to ensure swift rescue operations and safety measures.

The chief minister also instructed officials to ensure immediate assistance to affected workers and their families and ordered a joint investigation by the administration and relevant authorities to determine the cause of the fire.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said fire tenders and snorkels were present on the ground to tackle the situation. “Additional water bowsers are also present. Will keep everyone posted,” he said.

In a statement, the Sindh police chief, Javed Alam Odho, directed the Malir senior superintendent of police and the superintendent traffic to reach the scene and secure the area. He also directed officials to keep the surrounding area clear of traffic for the fire brigade and rescue teams.

Malir Deputy Commissioner Samiullah Sheikh reached the site soon after being informed of the incident and told the media that the fire had initially erupted in one factory before spreading to a second unit. He added that, fortunately, no casualties or injuries had been reported.

He said that due to the intensity of the blaze, the factory building had been declared structurally unsafe, adding that a final assessment would be made following an inspection by officials of the Sindh Building Control Authority.

Separately, Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi said all relevant agencies were on alert and actively involved in firefighting operations. He assured that there was no shortage of water, adding that supplies were being provided through water tankers. He reiterated that no loss of life or injuries had been reported and said efforts were continuing to extinguish the fire.

Meanwhile, a statement from the Edhi Foundation spokesperson said that its ambulances and volunteers were present at the scene, providing emergency services to those affected by the fire.

“Common Causes of Industrial Fires in Karachi”

Fires are common in Karachi’s industrial areas, often blamed on faulty wiring, poor safety compliance and inadequate enforcement of building regulations.

The latest blaze comes weeks after a deadly fire at Gul Plaza Shopping Mall in January killed at least 67 people, intensifying scrutiny of fire safety and emergency preparedness in the city’s commercial and industrial buildings.

Credit: The Global Times