Karachi factory fire still raging after five hours

A blaze that ignited in a factory located in Karachi’s SITE industrial zone remained out of control five hours after it started, with fire crews working tirelessly to bring it under control. The fire began on the second floor of the building and quickly spread to the third floor, where large amounts of plastic granules, thread and cardboard were stored, complicating suppression efforts.

Initially, two fire tenders were sent to the scene, but as the flames grew more intense, additional resources were mobilised. By the time of the report, a total of 11 fire tenders, two snorkels and two water bowsers were engaged in the operation. Factory workers were evacuated immediately and taken to a safe location.

The cause of the fire and the full extent of the damage have not yet been disclosed. Officials noted that a fire had also broken out at the same site a few days earlier, and that the third floor had been repurposed as a warehouse.

The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) declared an emergency at the NIPA and Sakhi Hassan hydrants after receiving a request from the fire brigade. KWSC chief executive officer Ahmed Ali Siddique also ordered an emergency at the Crush Plant hydrant. Water tankers were dispatched promptly, and the hydrant cell’s in‑charge stayed in constant contact with fire and rescue officials. The CEO’s designated focal person for hydrants personally oversaw the response, and the corporation pledged full cooperation to the rescue teams.