A massive fire broke out at a factory in Karachi’s Landhi Export Processing Zone late Friday night, creating panic in the industrial area. The fire quickly spread through the building, sending thick clouds of smoke into the air that were visible from far away. Emergency services rushed to the site as soon as the incident was reported. Authorities confirmed that the factory was involved in plastic manufacturing, which made the blaze more intense and difficult to control. Nearby factories and workers were placed on high alert as the situation continued to develop.
Fire Spreads Rapidly, Firefighters Struggle to Contain Blaze
According to Rescue 1122 officials, the fire initially started on the ground floor of the factory. Within a short time, the flames spread to the first floor due to the presence of highly flammable materials. Six fire tenders were immediately deployed to control the situation. However, firefighters faced serious challenges because of the intensity of the fire and the structure of the building. Officials feared that the blaze could spread further and engulf additional floors of the industrial unit.
As the fire continued to grow, more firefighting resources were called in from different parts of Karachi. Snorkels were also dispatched to help firefighters reach higher sections of the building. Rescue 1122 spokesperson Hassaanul Haseeb Khan stated that teams were working continuously to bring the fire under control. He added that water pressure issues and strong flames were making the operation more complex. Despite these difficulties, rescue teams remained on the scene throughout the night.
Importantly, officials confirmed that no casualties or injuries had been reported so far. Workers inside the factory were believed to have evacuated in time. Firefighters also focused on preventing the flames from spreading to nearby industrial units, which could have caused further damage.
Authorities, Police, and Mayor Coordinate Emergency Response
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab confirmed that fire tenders and snorkels were present at the site to manage the situation. He stated that additional water bowsers had also been arranged to support firefighting efforts. The mayor assured the public that the authorities were closely monitoring the situation and would provide updates as needed. His statement aimed to calm public concern as news of the fire spread across the city.
Meanwhile, Sindh Police Chief Javed Alam Odho issued immediate instructions to senior police officers. He directed the Malir Senior Superintendent of Police and traffic officials to reach the scene without delay. Police were ordered to secure the area and keep surrounding roads clear. This step was taken to ensure uninterrupted movement for fire brigade and rescue vehicles. Public access to the affected area was restricted to avoid any safety risks.
Recent Fire Incidents Highlight Ongoing Safety Concerns
The Landhi EPZ fire occurred just a day after firefighters extinguished multiple fires at six different locations across Karachi. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in those incidents. Earlier in the week, a fire damaged three cars at a high-rise commercial building near Saddar’s mobile market. That incident also raised concerns about fire safety in commercial zones.
Last month, a devastating fire at Gul Plaza claimed at least 73 lives, marking one of the deadliest fire incidents in the city’s history. The tragedy triggered widespread criticism over poor safety measures and lack of emergency preparedness. The latest fire in Landhi has once again drawn attention to the urgent need for stricter fire safety regulations in industrial areas. Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the fire and review safety standards to prevent future incidents.
