Romana Afsheen
KARACHI: A garment manufacturing factory collapsed in New Karachi today after fire damaged the infrastructure badly. Some rescue and firefighters are under the debris of the garment factory.
Efforts are underway to save firefighters and rescue officials from the debris. A massive fire broke out near Sector 8-A of New Karachi’s industrial area on Tuesday, causing several buildings to collapse.
According to initial reports, some firefighters and rescue personnel have been trapped under the debris after the structures gave way during the firefighting operation.
Rescue teams are working to recover those trapped while also evacuating injured victims from the site. The operation remains ongoing as authorities attempt to control the flames and clear rubble.
Officials have urged people to stay away from the affected area to allow rescue efforts to continue without obstruction.
Fire Bulldozes Al-Zeeb Factory in Karachi’s SITE Area
Blaze breaks out on ground floor, spreads rapidly through building: 15 fire tenders, snorkels deployed to control flames
A massive fire broke out early Monday morning at the three-storey Al-Zeeb Factory in Karachi’s industrial SITE area, prompting a large-scale firefighting and rescue operation.
Fire Breaks Out at Dawn
According to initial reports, the blaze started around 7:00am on the ground floor of the factory located in Sector 8A. The fire quickly spread across the structure, triggering an urgent response from the Karachi Fire Brigade.
Two fire tenders reached the scene in the first phase. However, as the flames intensified and engulfed multiple sections of the building, authorities expanded the response. At least 15 fire tenders and snorkels are now engaged in the firefighting operation.
Firefighter Injured During Operation
Officials confirmed that one firefighter sustained injuries during early rescue efforts. He was shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Fire brigade teams continue to battle the flames using both water and foam to contain the inferno.
A Fire Brigade spokesperson said the blaze was of high intensity and that 10 fire tenders and a snorkel were engaged in efforts to bring it under control using water and foam. Officials confirmed no one was trapped inside the building.
Rescue 1122 identified the injured as Ismile (50), Buland (30), Aslam (30) and Owais (35). All were admitted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, where doctors described their condition as stable. The fire originated on the ground floor and spread rapidly, causing severe damage before the factory collapsed.
Search and Rescue Underway
Rescue teams fear that more factory personnel may be trapped inside after parts of the building collapsed due to the intense heat. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with emergency responders combing through debris to locate survivors.
Authorities are maintaining strict monitoring of the situation, while heavy smoke continues to rise from the site, visible across the industrial zone.
Authorities on Alert
The scale of the fire has prompted continuous coordination among fire officials, police, and local administration. Efforts remain underway to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby industrial units.
Officials said updates will be shared as soon as significant progress is achieved in controlling the flames and ensuring the safety of all workers.
