At least 15 workers of a chemical factory lost their lives after a fire broke out at a factory in Karachi’s Mehran Town on Friday, police and rescue officials told Dawn.

Talking to Dawn, Korangi SSP Shah Jehan said that so far 15 bodies had been recovered from the factory.

He said that the police had been informed that there were 25 people still stuck in the building, and feared that they may not have survived.

RELATED STORIES

According to a spokesman for the Pakistan Rangers (Sindh), the area had been cordoned off and Rangers officials were busy in relief efforts with rescue teams.

The spokesperson said that the fire had started at a chemical factory in Mehran Town, adding that the fire was now under control and rescue efforts were underway.

Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) Additional Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed said that 13 bodies had been shifted to the hospital so far.

According to police officials, an Edhi volunteer, Saddam, 30, also sustained injuries while trying to extinguish the fire. The injured were also rushed to JPMC.

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and ordered the Karachi commissioner and the labour department to make a report. “How did the incident occur and what safety precautions were being taken,” he questioned.
He also directed officials to provide the best possible medical aid to the injured and support to the families of the deceased.