Inferno in Karachi: Massive Fire Destroys Second-Hand Clothing Warehouse in Landhi Export Processing Zone

KARACHI, PAKISTAN — A multi-alarm blaze ripped through a commercial warehouse facility in the Landhi Export Processing Zone (EPZ) on Sunday, September 6, 2026, destroying vast quantities of imported second-hand clothing and sending dense plumes of dark smoke across eastern Karachi.

The fire broke out in the late afternoon within a major industrial unit specializing in the sorting, processing, and re-export of bulk textiles. Due to the high concentration of synthetic fabrics, cardboard packaging, and compressed bales of clothing, the flames spread at a fierce velocity across the multi-story structure.

Dozens of fire tenders, foam vehicles, and specialized snorkel units from the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and the EPZ Authority rushed to the scene to combat the mounting inferno. Firefighters worked through the night to surround the complex and prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring manufacturing plants and chemical storage units in the densely built industrial hub.

Emergency responders confirmed that all factory personnel were safely evacuated during the initial stages of the fire, preventing any loss of life or immediate casualties. However, intense heat and structural damage caused major sections of the warehouse roof to collapse, severely hindering interior firefighting operations.

Water bowers were deployed from across the city to maintain a continuous supply, while industrial foam was utilized to suppress stubborn hot spots buried beneath compressed textile bales. Authorities reported that containment efforts were complicated by strong wind gusts and restricted access routes surrounding the facility.

City officials and the Landhi EPZ management have launched a joint investigation to determine the origin of the blaze. Preliminary reports suggest an electrical short circuit in the main distribution panel may have triggered the disaster, though official forensic teams are waiting complete cooling of the structure before conducting a thorough on-site inquiry.

Local trade associations have called for an immediate audit of fire safety compliance across all facilities in the processing zone, highlighting that financial losses from destroyed inventory and structural damage are expected to run into millions of rupees. Representatives from the export sector expressed deep concern over potential operational delays and supply chain disruptions, urging municipal authorities to establish a dedicated, high-capacity fire station directly within the EPZ estate to handle future industrial emergencies.