An Express News screengrab
KARACHI: Thirteen factory workers, including two women, were caught in a garment factory fire in Karachi's SITE area, Express News reported Monday.
Initial reports revealed that the fire was caused by a short circuit and sources confirmed that the fire has now spread extensively, making it difficult for fire tenders to bring it under control.
Read: Baldia factory fire: Retailer comes under fierce criticism
Fire brigade services arrived at the garment factory thirty minutes after they were given notice of the incident, and a spokesperson for the fire brigade confirmed that 10 fire tenders were currently working to bring the fire to a halt.
An Express News screengrab
Heavy smoke and fumes from the fire however, have made it difficult for fire tenders to enter the factory.
An Express News screengrab
The injured were shifted to a local hospital for immediate medical assistance and rescue officials have declared it a third-degree fire.
The owner of the textile mill is present at the site, however, was unavailable for comments.
Read: Deadly factory fire: Activist says MQM men ignited Baldia blaze: Rangers
Initial reports further revealed that large quantities of equipment and material at the cost of millions were damaged in the fire.
Fire tenders are maintaining efforts to prevent the fire from spreading to other factories in the vicinity however, due to lack of equipment and water, they are being faced with difficulty.
An Express News screengrab
As the fire continues, sources revealed that the water supply is limited and access to the factory has not yet been gained. A tractor is now being used in attempts to break down the wall of the factory.
An Express News screengrab
It has been said that it could take between ten and twelve hours to extinguish the fire due to the lack of water and intensity of the fire.
An Express News screengrab
Private tankers have now been deployed for fire tenders to continue extinguishing the fire. Meanwhile, authorities are trying to obtain heavy machinery to break down the wall of the factory.
'Expenditure on fire department is key'
Answering questions on the factory fire, Karachi's commissioner Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui said that strict procedures in regard to such fires should be enforced.
"A lot of money is being spent on businesses and industries but fire brigade services need to be strengthened," the commissioner said.
It was revealed after today's fire that most of the snorkel vehicles were not in use and could not assist in extinguishing the fire at the garment factory.
"I found out after the fire that none of the snorkels were in use," Siddiqui said.
He further added that such services should be prioritised in the city and he would be making further recommendations to have these implemented across the city.
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