Karachi factory fire kills at least 246 - sportstextiles: Lea SportsTextiles

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Karachi factory fire kills at least 246

12/09/2012
A fire that has engulfed a clothing factory in Karachi has claimed the lives of at least 246 people, in one of the worst industrial accidents in Pakistan's history.

Some survivors jumped from windows as the fire spread through the four-storey building last night.

"Within two minutes there was fire in the entire factory," worker Liaqat Hussain told Reuters. "The gate was closed. There was no access to get out, we were trapped inside."

Provincial health minister Sagheer Ahmad said the number of dead had risen to 246. "These are not the exact figures as rescue work is still ongoing," he added.

Early reports suggest it might have been caused by faulty electrical equipment

Clothing factories are particularly at risk from fire because they contain flammable chemicals and piles of clothing.

Earlier yesterday, a shoe factory fire killed 23 in the eastern city of Lahore.


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