New Karachi factory fire: building collapsed, firefighters injured

WEB DESK: A massive fire broke out in a garments factory in New Karachi Industrial Area, leading to the collapse of the building and spreading to an adjacent unit owned by the same owner, where thread manufacturing was carried out. Firefighters rushed to the scene and were engaged in controlling the flames that engulfed both floors of the second factory.

Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce Jam Ikramullah Dharejo took notice of the incident, directing the managing director of SITE Limited to conduct an inquiry. He stressed that factory owners must ensure the safety of workers and their property, and warned of strict legal action against those who fail to implement fire safety measures. Dharejo said that protecting workers’ lives must remain the top priority and ordered that all possible medical aid be provided to those injured. He further instructed that effective steps be taken to prevent such industrial fire incidents.

Two vehicles parked in the factory premises were burnt, while fire brigade personnel sustained injuries. According to reports, there was a loud explosion which forced people in the vicinity to abandon their vehicles and seek cover, and only rescue officials are being allowed in the premises. There was no one present in the factory at the time of the fire. Construction work is also ongoing adjacent to the affected factory.

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According to the rescue official, Farooq Kathora, 10-15 fire tenders are currently working while at least six to seven rescue workers have been sent off in the ambulance: “The fire has spread to other buildings and owing to the rubble, it is also difficult to get through.”

Chief Fire Officer, Humayun Khan said that the fire erupted in the morning around 7:20am and no workers or civilians have been hurt in the incident. Other factories in the vicinity have also been shut down to prevent any loss of life.

Previous fires

In January 2022, a massive fire broke out at a towel factory in New Karachi Industrial Area near Saba Cinema, destroying goods but causing no casualties. The blaze began around 3:40am, initially tackled by engines from New and North Karachi stations before 14 fire engines from across the city were deployed. The fire was brought under control within an hour, though cooling operations continued until 8:15am. The cause and financial losses are yet to be determined. Officials confirmed the four-storey building was saved, but goods stored in the open shade were destroyed.

Karachi fire: Landhi factory collapses, seven injured

Similarly in December 2017, a massive fire gutted a multi-storey towel factory near Saba Cinema in New Karachi, destroying valuables worth millions but causing no loss of life. Workers said the blaze erupted around 8am, engulfing much of the building before they arrived. Fire brigade officials initially dispatched one tender but later deployed eight due to the intensity, taking nearly eight hours to control the flames. A firefighter, Ameer Ahmed, fainted from smoke inhalation and was taken to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital. Officials suspected an electrical short-circuit as the cause.