ISLAMABAD (PEN) : A devastating fire that erupted early Sunday morning in Karachi’s Landhi Export Processing Zone has continued to rage for over 30 hours, engulfing multiple factories and causing significant damage.
Fire Spreads Rapidly
The blaze began in a factory within the processing zone and quickly spread to adjacent facilities, including a clothing warehouse and a plastic manufacturing unit. Fire brigade officials reported that the fire was fueled by the presence of chemicals and strong winds, which allowed the flames to spread rapidly. As of Monday morning, the fire was approximately 70% under control, with efforts ongoing to fully extinguish it.
Firefighting Efforts and Challenges
Over 20 fire tenders, including snorkels and water bowsers, were deployed to the scene to combat the inferno. Fire Officer Arif Mansoori stated that while the spread of the fire had been contained and there was no further risk of it extending to nearby areas, the cooling process was expected to take several more hours. He also mentioned that goods of high value had been destroyed in the incident.
At least five firefighters sustained injuries during the operation, with one reported to be in critical condition. The collapse of a portion of the affected building contributed to these injuries. Rescue 1122 officials noted that dense smoke and a shortage of water posed significant challenges to the firefighting efforts
Structural Damage and Safety Concerns
One factory has been completely destroyed, while another has been rendered structurally unsafe due to the extensive damage. The affected buildings have been declared unsafe, and authorities are assessing the structural integrity of the remaining structures in the area.
Previous Incidents and Safety Concerns
This incident is not the first of its kind in the Landhi Export Processing Zone. In March 2017, a denim factory fire in the same area resulted in significant damage and highlighted serious fire safety concerns, including the lack of fire alarms, sprinklers, and proper exits. The Sindh Building Control Authority had issued guidelines for fire safety measures, but enforcement remains a challenge.
Location and Additional Information
The Landhi Export Processing Zone is a significant industrial area in Karachi, housing numerous factories involved in various manufacturing processes. The continued firefighting efforts underscore the severity of the situation and the challenges faced by emergency services in containing such large-scale industrial fires
As the situation develops, authorities are expected to launch an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and assess the adequacy of safety measures in place at the affected facilities. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent fire safety protocols in industrial settings to prevent such devastating occurrences.
