Chief fire officer says two firefighters sustain minor injuries as fire is brought under control after two hours
A devastating fire broke out at a dyeing factory in the Shershah Site area of Karachi on Thursday, engulfing 80 per cent of the building. However, two firefighters sustained minor injuries while combating the blaze. The fire prompted a major rescue operation involving fire brigades and emergency services.
“Two firefighters sustained minor injuries while working to control the blaze and were promptly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment,” said Humayun Khan, Chief Fire Officer. “It took around two hours to bring the fire under control and begin the cooling process.”
According to rescue officials, the fire occurred when the factory was closed, sparing workers from injury. However, the intense blaze spread rapidly, with smoke visible for several kilometres. Emergency response teams, including 14 fire tenders and two snorkels, were deployed to the scene, and a water bowser was also brought in to assist with firefighting efforts.
Also Read: At least seven children killed in cylinder explosion at Chaman home in Balochistan
The fire was triggered by a short circuit in one of the machines. At the time of the incident, more than 100 workers were present at the factory, but all were evacuated safely. Four workers trapped in another part of the factory were rescued by the emergency services.
The fire has raised concerns about industrial safety, particularly regarding the storage and handling of chemicals. “The factory was storing dyeing chemicals, which made the fire even more hazardous,” Khan explained.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the fire and instructed officials to expedite the rescue operation. He also ordered a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire. “The safety of our workers and citizens is paramount,” Shah said in a statement, urging authorities to increase safety measures across industrial units.
In light of the fire, the chief minister has directed the relevant authorities to carry out a comprehensive audit of chemical storage and safety protocols at factories throughout the province.
