'Factory set ablaze over non-payment of salaries on Eid'

KARACHI: A huge fire erupted at a Shoe factory in the Site area of the metropolis on Thursday night could not be brought under control after several hours, ARY News reported.

The fire erupted at a shoe factory near Habib Bank roundabout, according to chief firefighter Tehseen Siddiqui. More than ten fire engines were called in to tackle the fire, he added.

At least five people including three firefighters suffered burn injuries and were shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for medical aid, he added.

He said that the blaze was declared as third-degree intensity fire due to the presence of chemicals inside the factory which compounded problems for the firefighters. Two fire engines from Pakistan Navy were also called to help extinguish the fire, he added

Siddiqui said a section of the factory had also collapsed due to the fire.

Meanwhile, the factory administration alleged that the employees deliberately set the factory on fire over non-payment of salaries on the eve of the Eid ul Azha. However, the area police said, further investigation is underway to ascertain the real cause of the incident.