Karachi: Burning chemical factory starts falling apart

KARACHI: A fierce fire which broke out at private chemical factory in Gul Bai on Saturday could not be brought under control after more than 18 hours, Geo News reported.

Parts of the factory also collapsed due to the fire and it is feared that the entire factory may collapse.

According to rescue sources, the massive fire broke out at Metatex Chemical factory in Site Industrial area at around 12:30 AM. Fire tenders from across the city were called in to douse the blaze.

The fire also engulfed two adjacent buildings.

More than 15 fire tenders, two snorkels and two fire bowsers were involved in extinguishing the inferno for more than 3 hours but the fierce fire continued to engulf the entire fire-storey building.

Fire department officials said it was difficult to extinguish the fire because of the chemicals and plastic materials present inside the factory and foam was required which was in short supply.

Officials also complained of a lack of water for fighting the fire.

Teams of Pakistan Air Force and Karachi Port also took part in the rescue operation.

Fire-fighting officials declared the fire as a third degree inferno.

Electricity to the surrounding localities was suspended after the factory caught fire.

No loss of life has been reported in the incident.