KARACHI: At least 15 labourers have lost their lives in a fire that broke out at a chemical factory in Karachi, Geo News reported, citing rescue officials, Friday.
The blaze broke out at a factory in Mehran Town, Korangi.
The bodies of 15 labourers have been retrieved from inside the building so far and fire fighting personnel are engaged in rescue operations. Many people are still trapped inside the factory.
Rescue officials said they had asked for heavy machinery to break the factory walls. It is being reported that they are facing difficulties in the rescue operation due to smoke. Till 1:35pm, the police said more than 20 people were feared to be inside the factory.
According to eye witnesses, the fire brigade arrived late at around 10am to douse the blaze.
So far, 10 bodies have been shifted to Jinnah hospital, according to hospital officials.
Five of the victims have so far been identified as Salman, Farman, Ali, Hassan and Farhan, hospital officials said, adding that the deceased include four members of the same family.
Fire broke out in chemical drum and spread: fire brigade officials
Two firefighters were injured while trying to put out the blaze, Geo News reported.
Fire brigade officials said that a chemical used in the manufacture of various items was present in the factory and the fire broke out in the drum of the chemical and spread throughout the factory.
‘Only one way to enter factory’
In an update on the blaze, Chief Fire Officer Mubeen Ahmed told Geo News that 13 fire tenders and a snorkel were being used to put out the blaze.
He said a rescue vehicle and water board tanker were also present on the scene.
“There is only one way to enter the factory,” the chief fire officer said, explaining that the roof of the factory was also locked, making it difficult for the labourers to escape.
He said a search for the victims is under way.
The fire has been brought under control and the cooling process is underway, he said.
Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah wants to know how the fire erupted
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has taken notice of the fire at Karachi’s chemical factory and sought a report from the commissioner Karachi and labour department on how the fire broke out.
This was shared by Sindh government spokesperson Murtaza Wahab.
The Sindh CM has asked the concerned authorities to explain how the incident took place, what precautionary and safety arrangements were taken in the factory and how so many lives were lost.
The CM gave orders to extend full support to the bereaved families and said the injured should be given full treatment.
