Emergency Response Mobilized
KARACHI, Feb 26 – A major fire broke out at a factory in the Sher Shah SITE industrial area of Karachi, marking the second factory blaze in the city within two days, ARY News reported. Fire officials declared the incident a third-degree fire due to the intensity of the flames and the presence of hazardous chemicals used for cloth dyeing. Fire brigade teams from across Karachi, supported by additional tenders and snorkel units, rushed to the site to contain the blaze.
Inspector General Sindh Javed Alam Odho directed police to secure the area and ensure clear access for emergency vehicles. Pakistan Rangers also deployed personnel to manage traffic and assist rescue teams. Authorities emphasized worker and resident safety as the top priority during the ongoing operation.
Authorities Strengthen Fire Safety Measures
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and requested an urgent report from relevant departments. He instructed authorities to expedite rescue efforts, provide immediate medical care to anyone injured, and ensure full coordination among emergency services. Following the fire, he ordered a comprehensive audit of chemical storage and fire safety protocols in all factories across Sindh. Officials were directed to submit detailed reports on hazardous chemical use and fire safety systems directly to the Chief Minister’s Office.
The fire comes a day after another catastrophic blaze at a papad factory in Korangi, fueled by industrial oil, plastic, and cardboard. Authorities confirmed the factory had been evacuated with no casualties reported. Firefighters faced challenges from extreme heat and dense, toxic smoke while working to contain the flames. The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation declared an emergency at the Landhi Hydrant to provide consistent water supply, supplemented by a fleet of water tankers.
Officials stressed that negligence regarding chemical storage and fire safety would not be tolerated, reinforcing stricter inspections and compliance across industrial units.
