PESHAWAR: At least 15 workers were killed after fire erupted in a chemical factory in Korangi area of Karachi on Friday.
The fire brigade officials said that the fire broke out in chemical materials and spread through factory as a result 25 workers trapped in the building. The rescue officials said that the fire was so severe that parts of the building collapsed, making it difficult for rescue teams to recover the trapped workers.
The fire brigade officials said that the windows the buildings were fixed with grills due to which rescue workers couldn’t enter the building. The officials announced that two rescue personnel were also injured during the rescue operation and one of them fell from the second floor of the factory. The rescue workers said that the dead toll can further rise as several people are still missing and the chances of anyone surviving the fire are slim. The bodies of the people and the injured are being searched after the fire was brought under control and cooling process is underway.
According to rescue teams, more workers are reported to be trapped inside the factory, while the bodies of 14 workers have been removed from the building. The victims also include cousins and two siblings. Sindh government spokesman Murtaza Wahab said that the government is investigating the incidents and details will be shared with the media soon. Wahab said that every possible measure was taken to put out the fire and rescue the trapped workers.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the fire sought report from the Commissioner Karachi and the Labour Department. Shah expressed deep sorrow over the incident. The Chief Minister directed the concern authorities to investigate what safety measures were taken by the factory owner for workers. Shah also directed to provide full support to the victim families and proper medication to the injured workers.