Chemical boxes in factory catch fire

Boxes stored in Korangi factory catch fire and release harmful fumes.

KARACHI: Boxes of chemicals stored in a garments factory in Korangi caught fire on Tuesday evening. Several people were affected by the harmful fumes released and at least 12 persons fainted. According to an Edhi official, a minor was taken to the hospital due to the fumes.

There were over 500 barrels of sodium bisulphite in the factory, which was under construction. Defence view, Qayyumabad, Korangi Industrial and other neighbouring areas were affected by the fumes. The smoke and fumes spread over a large area, making it difficult for people to breathe and forcing many residents  to evacuate.

Municipal Services EDO Masood Alam said that the chemical stored in the factory is used to colour jeans.

The cause of the fire was not determined till the filing of this report.

One of the factory workers said he was not sure about the number of people in the factory at the time of the fire but he saw at least 20 barrels of sodium bisulphite explode.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 26^th, 2011.