Karachi: Major fire breaks out at factory in Landhi Export Processing Zone

2026-02-06 - 17:46

KARACHI: A major fire has broken out at a factory in the Landhi Export Processing Zone, quickly spreading through a large portion of the building’s first floor. According to reports, the factory in Landhi Export Processing Zone stores plastic materials, which have intensified the blaze and made it difficult to contain. The Karachi Fire Brigade initially rushed six fire engines to the scene. As the fire intensified, four more units were called in, along with water bowsers and two snorcles, to help control the flames. Firefighters and rescue teams are working to evacuate employees and secure the surrounding area, preventing the fire from spreading to nearby structures. Emergency measures have been activated at Landhi and Sherpao hydrants, with the Karachi Water Corporation providing continuous water supply. Tankers have also been dispatched and will remain on site until the fire is fully under control. Authorities have classified the blaze as a third-degree fire due to its severity. Sindh’s Inspector General of Police has instructed SSP Malir and SP Traffic to reach the site immediately. Roads around the factory are being cleared to ensure unobstructed access for fire and rescue teams, and the surrounding areas are being secured. The situation is still unfolding, with fire and rescue teams battling the flames. So far, no casualties have been reported. Investigations into the cause of the fire are underway. Earlier, on the night of Saturday, January 17, a massive fire broke out at Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road, Karachi engulfing the commercial building and trapping dozens inside. The blaze raged for over 32 hours before being brought under control, exposing weaknesses in the city’s emergency response system. The building remains structurally unsafe. Rescue teams, supported by the Army, Rangers, and civil authorities, were involved in the search for missing persons. Families coordinated with authorities at help desks and DNA collection centres while engineers assessed the damage.