KARACHI: A massive fire erupted at a textile factory in the Landhi Export Processing Zone in Karachi, causing extensive destruction and raising major safety concerns among authorities and rescue teams. The blaze, which rescue officials classified as a third-degree fire, broke out in a three-storey clothing factory and quickly intensified, spreading throughout the building within minutes. Firefighting teams battled the flames for several hours before finally bringing the situation under control.
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According to initial reports, the fire started on one of the upper floors of the factory, but strong winds and the presence of highly flammable materials inside accelerated the spread. As the flames grew, parts of the building began to give way, resulting in the collapse of the roof and several sections of the walls. The structural damage was severe enough for officials to declare the building completely destroyed.
Rescue personnel at the site have expressed concern that the rear section of the factory may also collapse due to the intense heat and weakening of the structure. They have cordoned off the area to prevent any accidents and have advised workers and nearby residents to avoid entering unsafe zones until a full assessment is completed.
One of the biggest challenges faced by firefighters was the presence of chemical materials stored in an adjacent warehouse. Rescue 1122 teams reported that these chemicals posed a significant risk of the fire spreading further, prompting them to intensify containment measures. Firefighters deployed additional vehicles, water tankers, and foam units to ensure the flames did not reach the warehouse, which could have triggered an even more dangerous situation.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, though early indications suggest that an electrical short-circuit may have played a role. However, officials emphasized that a thorough inquiry will be conducted once the area is declared safe. No casualties have been reported yet, as most workers managed to evacuate quickly when the alarm was raised.
Incidents like this highlight ongoing safety gaps in industrial zones and underline the urgent need for stronger enforcement of fire safety regulations, regular inspections, and proper storage of hazardous materials.
As recovery operations continue, authorities say the priority is to secure the damaged structure, prevent any further spread, and begin a detailed assessment of losses. The incident has once again drawn attention to the safety challenges faced by factories operating in Karachi's industrial sectors.
