New Karachi factory fire yesterday led to the collapse of a garments unit in the industrial area, injuring five people, including a fire brigade officer and a private news channel cameraman. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after several hours of operation.
According to police, the incident occurred on Tuesday morning at a garments factory near Saadat Hotel in Sector 8, within the limits of New Karachi Industrial Area. The fire started on the ground floor and quickly spread, engulfing the entire unit. Rescue officials evacuated workers from the premises.
KMC fire tenders were first called in, but other firefighting vehicles called in as the fire grew stronger in the factory. Two factories which were nearby also caught fire leading to a protracted firefighting process.
During the efforts to control the new Karachi factory fire, the three-storey building collapsed with a loud explosion, causing panic in the surrounding area.
As per Jang news, the collapse injured Fire Station Officer Gulistan-e-Johar Buland Iqbal, Hawaldar Ismail, Aslam, Owais, and news cameraman Zeeshan Marghoob. All were shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for treatment.
After hours of firefighting, the garments factory and adjoining units were brought under control. Officials said the cooling process is still underway and may continue for two to three days.
Authorities confirmed that the financial losses caused by the new Karachi factory fire will be determined after the final assessment report.
