Massive fire in New Karachi Four firefighters, TV cameraman hurt in building collapse

A massive fire broke out at a garments factory in New Karachi’s Sector 8-A on Tuesday morning, eventually causing the building to collapse and leaving five people injured: four firefighters and a TV cameraman.

According to police and rescue officials, the fire erupted on the ground floor of Al-Zaib Garments, a three-storey factory near Saadat Hotel, around 6am. The flames quickly spread to the upper floors and soon engulfed two adjacent factories: Gujarat Yarn Dyeing Factory and Double A Enterprises Towel Factory. Thick black smoke billowed into the sky and could be seen from several kilometres away. Panic spread in the area as firefighters and rescue teams rushed to the spot.

Initially, two KMC fire engines were dispatched, but as the fire intensified, additional units were called in. More than 11 fire engines, two water bowsers, a snorkel, and several Rescue 1122 fire trucks and ambulances took part in the operation.

Rangers also assisted in rescue efforts, while drones were deployed to assess the fire. Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan confirmed that no one was trapped inside the factory. “The fire was extremely intense, and the building could not withstand the heat.”

Due to the severity of the fire, the garments factory collapsed with a loud explosion around 11:30am. The collapse injured Gulistan-e-Jauhar Fire Station Officer Buland Iqbal, Havaldar Ismail, firefighters Aslam Huzoor Bux and Owais, and private TV channel cameraman Zeeshan Marghoob.

They were taken to the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, where doctors declared their condition out of danger. Senior police officials, including District Central SSP Zeeshan Shafiq Siddiqui, the Gulberg SP and the Liaquatabad SP, remained on-site to oversee operations.

Police also cordoned off the area to keep bystanders away. Fire brigade officials said cooling operations are under way in the affected factories, and an investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire.