KARACHI: A massive fire that erupted early Sunday at a factory in the Landhi Export Processing Zone continued to rage more than 29 hours later, fire brigade officials confirmed on Monday.
The fire, which broke out around 4:50am, quickly spread due to chemicals stored inside the building and gusty winds. Rescue 1122 said the flames jumped from one factory to three nearby units, destroying a clothing warehouse and a plastic manufacturing unit.
One of the factories has been completely gutted, while another has been declared structurally unsafe. Despite the deployment of more than 20 fire tenders, the blaze has not yet been fully brought under control.
Firefighters Injured, Cause Still Unknown
At least five firefighters from the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) sustained injuries while battling the intense fire. A portion of the burning structure collapsed during the operation, trapping responders underneath. One firefighter is reported to be in critical condition.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined, but initial reports suggest the presence of highly combustible materials, including textiles and industrial chemicals, may have triggered a rapid spread.
Officials from Rescue 1122 described the incident as a “third-degree fire” — one of the most severe categories. “There was a stockpile of clothes, chemical drums, and plastic items,” one official said. “The combination made it extremely difficult to contain.”
The injured were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals. Emergency teams also set up mobile medical units on-site for quick aid.
Dense Smoke, Water Shortage Hamper Operation
Firefighters faced multiple challenges during the operation, including low water supply and thick, toxic smoke. According to the emergency service’s Chief Operating Officer, the lack of hydrants in the area severely impacted the speed of the response.
“Rescue workers are using smoke injectors to ventilate the building and remove toxic fumes,” the official stated. “But the situation remains dangerous due to poor visibility and structural instability.”
The buildings affected by the blaze have now been declared unsafe, and entry has been restricted to emergency personnel only.
Authorities are investigating whether the factories adhered to fire safety regulations. Many units in Karachi’s industrial zones are known to operate with inadequate fire prevention systems and poor emergency exits.
Last month, a similar fire at a garments factory near Murtaza Chowrangi in Landhi destroyed inventory worth millions. That blaze also intensified rapidly due to flammable materials and took nearly three hours to control.
Growing Safety Concerns in Karachi’s Industrial Sector
As Karachi’s industrial zones expand, fire safety continues to be a major concern. Experts say many factories lack even basic fire extinguishers and do not comply with safety inspections.
“The city has faced multiple factory fires in the last year,” said one safety analyst. “Until authorities enforce strict building codes and fire compliance, such disasters will keep recurring.”
The Landhi fire has once again exposed vulnerabilities in Karachi’s emergency response infrastructure. Despite the presence of modern equipment, logistical challenges like water shortages, narrow access roads, and unplanned construction hamper rescue operations.
An inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess damages and accountability.
As smoke continues to billow from the site, nearby factories have suspended operations, and workers remain on alert.
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