Karachi Factory Fire Remains Uncontrolled After Five Hours

KARACHI: (Staff Reporter) – A fire at a factory in Karachi’s SITE industrial area remained out of control even after five hours on Monday, as firefighters continued efforts to extinguish the blaze using 11 fire tenders, two snorkels and two water bowsers.

According to officials, the fire initially erupted on the factory’s second floor before spreading to the third floor. The presence of large quantities of plastic granules, thread and cardboard inside the building has made firefighting efforts more challenging.

Officials said two fire tenders were initially dispatched after the incident was reported. As the flames intensified, additional firefighting vehicles were called in to help contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further.

Factory workers were evacuated immediately after the fire broke out and moved to a safe location. No confirmed information about casualties was available at the time of reporting.

Fire brigade officials also revealed that a fire had broken out at the same location a few days earlier. They said the factory’s third floor had been converted into a warehouse, adding to concerns over the combustible materials stored inside.

Meanwhile, the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) declared an emergency at the NIPA and Sakhi Hassan hydrants following a request from the fire brigade for an urgent water supply. An emergency was also imposed at the Crush Plant hydrant on the instructions of KWSC Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Ali Siddique.

According to a KWSC spokesperson, water tankers were immediately dispatched to support firefighting operations. The spokesperson added that the hydrant cell’s in-charge was in constant contact with fire brigade and rescue officials, while the CEO’s focal person for hydrants was personally supervising the arrangements.

The corporation said it was extending full cooperation to rescue teams as efforts continued to bring the fire under control.

The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage had not yet been officially determined.