Karachi Garment Blaze Destroys Factory, Triggers Major Evacuations
The Karachi garment blaze caused panic in the Landhi industrial area on Thursday. Flames ripped through a three-storey garment factory inside the Karachi Export Processing Zone. Rescue teams arrived quickly and began a large-scale operation.
Massive Fire Leads to Factory Collapse
Firefighters faced intense heat as the blaze spread rapidly. The structure covered 2,000 square yards and held stacks of clothing. As a result, the flames gained strength and weakened the building.
Two firefighters suffered injuries when the front portion collapsed during the early phase of the operation. However, medical teams treated them immediately and shifted them to the Burns Centre for further care. Several hundred workers on duty escaped safely, which eased concerns for families and colleagues.
Rescue-1122 teams, KMC fire brigades, and EPZ units worked together to control the situation. In addition, they used more than a dozen fire tenders to stop the fire from spreading to nearby factories. Officers said they reached the site soon after receiving information around 2pm.
Officials Explain Ongoing Challenges
Rescue-1122 spokesperson Hassaan Ul Haseeb Khan said the cause of the fire remained unclear. However, he noted that electrical faults often trigger such incidents. He added that investigators would determine the exact reason.
KMC Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan described the operation as extremely tough. For example, piles of combustible material fueled the flames and limited visibility. Thick smoke spread across surrounding areas and created breathing problems for residents.
Rescue teams also evacuated three adjacent factories to prevent further damage. In addition, they advised nearby households to stay away from the area. Officials later confirmed the complete collapse of the building but reported no loss of life.
This event marked the sixth fire incident at the Landhi EPZ this year, raising concerns about industrial safety across the zone.
