From Zeeshan Mirza
KARACHI: At least 17 people died after a fire broke out at a factory in Karachi’s Mehran Town on Friday, police and rescue officials said.
Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) Additional Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed said that 16 bodies had been brought to the hospital so far, while another inhered person died later in the day.
Korangi SSP Shah Jehan said that police had been informed that there were 25 people still trapped in the building, and feared that they may have died. According to a spokesman for the Pakistan Rangers (Sindh), the area had been cordoned off and Rangers personnel were engaged in relief efforts with rescue teams. The spokesperson said that the fire had occurred at a chemical factory in Mehran Town, adding that the blaze was now under control and rescue efforts were under way.
According to police officials, an Edhi volunteer, Saddam, 30, also sustained injuries while trying to extinguish the fire. The injured were also taken to JPMC. During a visit to the factory, Karachi Commissioner Navid Shaikh directed rescue workers to speed up their efforts and try their best to save any lives. He said the fire had been controlled and the cooling process was now underway.
Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and directed the Karachi commissioner and the labour department to furnish a report. “How did the incident occur and what safety precautions were being taken,” he questioned. He also instructed officials to provide the best possible medical treatment to the injured and support to the families of the deceased.
Speaking to the media, Karachi Murtaza Wahab said that the fire department was alerted of the blaze at 10:09am and departed a minute later. He confirmed that the fire had been extinguished and cooling efforts were under way, adding that 21 people had been working on the factory’s first floor.
