Officials reported on Monday that a massive fire, which erupted early Sunday morning at a factory in the Landhi Export Processing Zone, was still not fully extinguished after more than 33 hours. According to the Fire Brigade, the blaze spread rapidly due to the presence of chemicals in the factory and strong winds, engulfing an adjacent clothing warehouse and a plastic manufacturing unit.
Fire brigade officials stated that 70% of the fire was under control and expressed confidence in its imminent complete extinguishment. Fire Officer Arif Mansoori confirmed that twelve fire brigade vehicles were engaged in the firefighting operation. He reported that flames were still active in various sections of all three factories, and fire personnel were making continuous efforts to douse the blaze.
Mansoori added that while the fire’s spread had been contained, eliminating any further risk to nearby areas, the cooling process was expected to take several more hours. He also noted that high-value goods had been destroyed in the incident. One factory has been completely ruined, while another has been deemed structurally unsound. The cause of the fire remains undetermined.
At least five firefighters sustained injuries while battling the raging inferno. Over 20 fire tenders are currently on site, participating in the firefighting efforts. According to Rescue 1122 officials, the fire broke out in the factory located in the Landhi Export Processing Zone in the early hours of the day, quickly spreading to three other nearby factories due to the presence of combustible materials.
Officials stated that at least five firefighters were injured after a section of the affected building collapsed, declaring it a “third-degree” fire. Rescue officials confirmed that the injured Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) firemen were immediately taken to the hospital, with one reportedly in critical condition. They also mentioned that the factory contained a stock of clothes, chemicals, and other items, and the cause of the blaze had not yet been determined.
The emergency service department reported receiving information about the blaze at 4:50 AM. The buildings affected by the fire have been declared unsafe. The service’s chief operating officer informed the media that dense smoke and a water shortage were hindering the rescue operation.
Last month, a garments factory near Murtaza Chowrangi in Landhi also caught fire, resulting in the destruction of millions of rupees worth of inventory. That blaze erupted suddenly in a multi-story factory, with flames rapidly intensifying and prompting an immediate response from police and rescue teams. Firefighters used smoke injectors to ventilate the building and remove toxic fumes. After nearly three hours of continuous efforts, that fire was brought under control.
