KARACHI: A major fire broke out at an old clothes factory in the Landhi Export Processing Zone (EPZ), leaving two men and a woman in distress due to smoke inhalation.
Fire brigade officials classified the blaze as a third-degree fire and called in additional resources. Eleven KMC fire tenders, two water tankers and a snorkel are currently engaged in firefighting operations.
According to officials, the fire initially erupted on the ground floor before spreading to the two upper floors. Thick smoke from the burning stock of old clothes has made the operation particularly challenging, forcing firefighters to tackle the blaze from outside the building.
Rescue authorities declared the factory building unsafe and structurally hazardous.
A security guard said workers evacuated the factory as soon as smoke began emerging. According to the SSP Malir, no fatalities have been reported and all workers inside the factory were evacuated before the fire could spread further.
A woman affected by the smoke was shifted to Jinnah Hospital by a Chhipa ambulance, according to Chhipa sources.
EPZ security officials also restricted employees from entering other factories in the area as a precautionary measure.
Sindh Rangers personnel joined the rescue and emergency response operation, assisting firefighters and rescue teams at the scene. Rangers also cordoned off the affected building and deployed personnel to maintain traffic flow and protect nearby residents and workers.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and directed the relevant authorities to use all available resources to bring the fire under control and ensure the safety of everyone at the site. He also sought a report on the situation from the Karachi commissioner and relevant administration.