A 3rd degree fire broke out in a garment recycling factory in the Landhi Export Processing Zone in Karachi at around 10.30 AM. The impact of the Landhi fire today is rapidly spreading to the nearest units with wide damage and provoking an immense emergency response.
According to new reports, the factory building, a five-storey structure, had completely collapsed under the combined pressure of heat and structural damage. Through its flames, the fire has also damaged three neighbouring factories, all of which have caught fire in the process, enlarging the radius of the Landhi factory fire.
At least 16 fire tenders and 2 water bowsers are actively engaged in firefighting operations. The fire remains uncontained. Explosions from gas cylinders stored inside one of the affected factories intensified the emergency.
Rescue officials have confirmed that six to seven workers sustained injuries in the Landhi factory fire today. Others used construction lifts to escape but the presence of few exits and poor safety systems were identified.
Chairman of EPZ, A.D Khawaja arrived at the location and assured collaboration with Rescue 1122 and Karachi Commissioner. He has pointed out the necessity of providing timely support to water supply and greater implementation of fire safety control in industrial areas.
This is the second big industrial fire in Karachi in recent weeks. The Landhi fire today has led to the question of emergency preparedness and fire hazard management within export processing zones and a suggestion of safety inspection to the other places of similar cause.
