‘Illegal’ shoe factory gutted in fire
Woman sets herself ablaze, man consumes anti-rodent chemicals. PHOTO: FILE
A fire at an ‘illegal’ shoe factory operating in a densely populated residential area within the limits of Pirwadhai police station gutted heavy machinery and goods on Tuesday.
According to eyewitnesses, the blaze erupted in the chemical stockpiles of the manufacturing unit and spread to other parts.
They said the blaze that suddenly engulfed the entire factory was put out by Rescue 1122 firefighters.
No loss of life was reported in the incident.
Several homes located in the Zia-ul-Haq Colony were saved from the fire due to Rescue 1122's timely response, they added.
Meanwhile, sources privy to the development said a huge explosion was reported in the beginning and huge plumes of smoke rose from the facility.
They said the locals attempted to extinguish the fire on their own, but when they failed in doing so, they immediately contacted Rescue 1122. A spokesperson for Rescue 1122 said seven fire tenders participated in the operation and firefighters stopped the fire from spreading to nearby homes. He said it took an hour to bring the blaze under control and the loss of property is being ascertained. For this purpose, the owner of the factory has been contacted.
Meanwhile, the Pirwadhai police opened an inquiry into the matter to investigate purported illegal operations of the factory in the residential area.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 22nd, 2023.