Blaze at Karachi factory under control despite delay caused by water shortage

KARACHI: A blaze that erupted late Sunday night at a towel factory here on the metropolis' S.I.T.E. Super Highway, was brought under control a few hours later, authorities said, adding that fire brigade personnel's effort to douse the flames were delayed due to a shortage of water.

According to the fire brigade team at the site, nine of their vehicles, as well as four water bowsers participated in dousing the fire, which had spread to both the ground and first floors. While the flames on the ground floor were contained and the cooling process initiated, those on the second floor, however, were brought under control some time later.

All but two of the night-shift workers at the factory remained safe; the two — who sustained burn wounds on 25 percent of their bodies and were subsequently shifted to a local hospital — were attempting to save the factory's vehicles in the parking lot.

However, one of the cars was destroyed in the fire.

It is noteworthy to mention that the sudden sandstorm that hit Karachi Sunday night with howling gales and low visibility hampered in the emergency response team's efforts.