A major fire broke out at a three-story factory in New Karachi’s industrial area on Tuesday morning, injuring at least eight firefighters and causing the building to collapse. The incident sparked widespread panic in the vicinity and prompted an extensive emergency response from fire and rescue teams.

Explosion Triggers Chaos and Collapse

According to Muhammad Humayun, Chief Fire Officer of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), a loud explosion reportedly triggered the fire. The blast was so intense that it led to the collapse of the factory building, further complicating rescue efforts.

“The building’s collapse was catastrophic,” Humayun stated, highlighting the severe challenges firefighters faced while trying to contain the flames and secure the area. The explosion spread chaos in the industrial zone, with nearby workers and residents rushing to safety.

Firefighters Among the Injured

Emergency responders worked tirelessly despite the difficult conditions, but eight firefighters sustained burn injuries during the operation.

The medical superintendent of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital confirmed that all eight were brought in for treatment. Among them, four critically injured were shifted to the trauma centre at the Civil Hospital, while two others were moved to a private hospital in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. The remaining two are under treatment at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital.

Doctors have expressed serious concern over the condition of the critically injured firefighters, emphasizing the dangers they faced while battling the blaze.

Intense Flames Hamper Rescue Operations

Fire brigade officials explained that the intensity of the blaze before the explosion significantly slowed down access to the site. The flames were fueled by the presence of dyeing chemicals and clothes stored inside the factory, creating highly flammable conditions that put emergency teams at further risk.

Despite these obstacles, the fire was eventually brought under control with the help of eight fire tenders. Rescue teams remained on alert for several hours afterward to ensure there were no hidden sparks or secondary outbreaks.

Cause of Fire Under Investigation

While the cause of the explosion remains under investigation, an initial report by Rescue 1122 spokesperson Hassan Ahmed suggested that a short circuit may have triggered the fire. Fortunately, officials confirmed that no workers were inside the factory when the fire erupted, preventing a larger tragedy.

Authorities are continuing to examine the site, focusing on identifying what specifically caused the explosion and whether safety violations contributed to the disaster. Investigators are also working to determine the scale of the damage caused to surrounding properties and businesses.

Industrial Safety Concerns Raised Once Again

The incident has reignited concerns over industrial safety standards in Karachi, where densely packed factories and insufficient enforcement of safety regulations have repeatedly led to similar tragedies. The collapse of the factory underscores the urgent need for preventive measures, including stricter monitoring of hazardous materials and improved fire safety protocols across industrial zones.