Karachi Garment Factory Engulfed in Flames
A significant fire erupted at a garment factory within the Landhi Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Karachi on Thursday, leading to the collapse of the three-story structure. Authorities responded swiftly, but the intensity of the blaze and the presence of combustible materials made firefighting efforts challenging, SindhNews.com reported.
Firefighting Challenges and Evacuations
Firefighters, including those from the EPZ, Rescue-1122, and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), worked to contain the fire. Two firefighters sustained injuries during the initial phase of the operation, when a portion of the building caved in. Hundreds of factory workers were safely evacuated, and three adjacent factories were also cleared as a precaution.
According to Rescue-1122 spokesperson Hassaan Ul Haseeb Khan, the fire was reported around 2 p.m. “The fire spread rapidly and engulfed the entire building,” he said, noting the presence of clothing among the material made it so hard for the fire to stop.
Cause of the Fire and Previous Incidents
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, though officials suggest an electrical short circuit. Chief Fire Officer of the KMC’s Fire Brigade, Humayun Khan, highlighted the difficulty in controlling the fire due to the extensive amount of combustible material. It was the sixth fire incident within the Landhi EPZ this year. In 2025, three factories had burnt down.
Conclusion
The fire at the garment factory resulted in the complete collapse of the building, but thankfully, there were no reported fatalities. The investigation into the fire’s cause is ongoing, as the incident underscores the need for stringent safety measures in industrial zones.