Fire erupts at factory in Karachi's Landhi Export Processing Zone

Sindh CM's aide says fire and rescue teams, along with ambulances and fire brigade trucks, rushed to the site

KARACHI:

A fire broke out at a factory in Karachi's Landhi Export Processing Zone on Friday night, prompting a swift response from emergency services, government officials, and rescue teams.

Advisor to Sindh Chief Minister for Rehabilitation Gianchand Esrani said in a statement that the Central Command and Control of Rescue 1122 was immediately notified, and fire and rescue teams, along with ambulances and fire brigade trucks, rushed to the site.

Efforts to control the blaze are currently ongoing.

“Ten fire brigade vehicles and two snorkel units are actively engaged in combating the fire using modern firefighting equipment,” Esrani said, adding that rescue teams were continuously working to protect lives and property.

He also directed teams to maintain rapid and coordinated operations at the scene.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said fire tenders and snorkels were present on ground to tackle the situation with additional water bowsers also present.

Another big challenge for our brave fire fighters. Fire has erupted at a factory in Export Processing Zone & our fire tenders and snorkels are present on ground to tackle the situation. Additional water bowsers are also present. Will keep everyone posted 🤲 pic.twitter.com/nhZ13xwG3H

— Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui (@murtazawahab1) February 6, 2026

Sindh Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho instructed the Malir senior superintendent of police (SSP) and Traffic SP to reach the site and secure the affected factory and surrounding areas.

The police was also directed to keep routes clear to ensure timely access for fire and rescue personnel, according to Saeed Ali, spokesperson for the Sindh police chief.

Malir Deputy Commissioner Samiullah Sheikh reached the site soon after being informed of the incident and told the media that the fire had initially erupted in one factory before spreading to a second unit. He added that, fortunately, no casualties or injuries had been reported.

He said that due to the intensity of the blaze, the factory building had been declared structurally unsafe, adding that a final assessment would be made following an inspection by officials of the Sindh Building Control Authority.

Meanwhile, the chief fire officer said that 15 fire tenders, three snorkels and water bowsers were engaged in efforts to bring the blaze under control. He said the fire remained intense.

The chief fire officer also said the Export Processing Zone Authority had not yet contacted the fire department. He added that while a memorandum of understanding had been signed to conduct firefighting training every six months at the Export Processing Zone, no arrangements had been made for such training.

He added that this was the third major third-category fire reported in the Export Processing Zone.

Separately, Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi said all relevant agencies were on alert and actively involved in firefighting operations. He assured that there was no shortage of water, adding that supplies were being provided through water tankers.

He reiterated that no loss of life or injuries had been reported and said efforts were continuing to extinguish the fire.

Meanwhile, a statement from the Edhi Foundation spokesperson said that its ambulances and volunteers were present at the scene, providing emergency services to those affected by the fire.