KARACHI — A massive fire ripped through a factory in Karachi’s Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) on Thursday, leaving eight workers injured and damaging at least three nearby facilities. The blaze, which raged for hours, was finally contained after an extensive firefighting operation.

The fire began around 10 a.m. in a five-storey industrial unit located near the Landhi area, reportedly during welding work in the basement. It quickly spread across a wide area, fuelled by strong winds and the apparent lack of adequate fire safety infrastructure — a chronic issue in Karachi’s industrial zones.

Delayed Response and Dangerous Decisions

Initial firefighting efforts were launched with a limited number of fire tenders, but as the situation escalated, reinforcements were summoned from the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and Rescue 1122. In total, 20 fire engines, two snorkels, five ambulances, and water tankers were involved in battling the flames, which were brought under control by 4 p.m. Cooling operations continued into the evening.

Rescue 1122 spokesperson Hassaanul Haseeb Khan said the fire was exacerbated by the factory’s weak structural integrity. Ongoing repair and construction work made the building especially vulnerable.

Despite warnings from rescue workers, eight employees were injured when part of the structure collapsed while they were attempting to retrieve goods. According to Haseeb, the workers appeared to be acting under pressure from factory management to salvage materials — a move that cost them dearly.

Fire Spreads to Adjoining Factories

The blaze didn’t stop at the originating building. With strong winds carrying the flames, three adjoining factories also caught fire. While their structures remained intact, they did sustain varying degrees of damage. The original factory, however, was completely gutted.

Roughly 1,200 workers were employed across the affected buildings. Fortunately, all personnel present at the time of the incident were evacuated safely, according to rescue officials.

Government Responds with Urgency

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah swiftly responded to the incident, ordering an immediate and coordinated rescue operation. He directed all available firefighting and emergency units to prioritise saving lives and mitigating further damage.

The chief minister also instructed Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi to launch a full inquiry into the cause of the fire and ensure accountability. Factory owners and injured workers have been promised government support.

One individual seriously hurt in the building collapse received immediate medical attention, CM Shah was informed.

A Familiar Pattern of Negligence

Karachi’s industrial areas have long been plagued by recurring fire incidents, often traced back to lax enforcement of safety regulations and inadequate infrastructure. Thursday’s fire adds to a troubling pattern, once again highlighting the urgent need for stricter oversight and workplace safety reforms in Pakistan’s largest city.