Third-degree fire at Landhi Export Processing Zone brought under control after 30-hour long operation

A devastating third-degree fire that broke out in four factories located in the Landhi Export Processing Zone, and caused extensive damage and injured at least five firefighters, was controlled after a more than 30-hour-long rescue operation.

The fire, which erupted on the eve of Eidul Azha, late on Saturday, quickly engulfed multiple industrial units. Despite the swift response by the fire department, flames continued to reignite during the cooling process, hampering efforts to bring the situation under full control.

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According to fire brigade officials, 19 fire tenders, including snorkels and several water bowsers, were deployed in the firefighting operation. Firefighting teams from KMC, KPT, Pakistan Navy, Rescue 1122 (Sindh), and various industrial zones of Karachi took part in the joint operation.

Authorities reported that part of the affected buildings collapsed due to the intensity of the fire, and all four factories have been declared severely damaged. The presence of hazardous chemicals makes rescue operations difficult.

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Ghulam Yasin Sangro, Secretary of the Landhi Export Processing Zone, estimated an initial loss of approximately Rs600 million, noting that a final assessment can only be calculated after the cooling process is completed.

Rescue 1122 officials stated that while the active flames have been partially controlled, complete extinguishing and cooling may take several more hours. Their teams remain on-site around the clock.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined. An investigation is expected to follow once the area is fully secured.