KARACHI: Three labourers died of suffocation and burn injuries when a huge fire broke out in a factory in Orangi Town early on Friday morning, said police and fire brigade officials.

A fire brigade official said that the blaze erupted in a factory located in a home in Sector 4-D.

The fireman said that the fire engulfed first and second floors of the factory building where drums containing “chemical powders” were kept, which were being used for making henna.

Several fire engines managed to control the blaze after two hours of hectic efforts.

The official added that three men were found dead who died of suffocation and burns. They were identified as Mohammed Akram, 40, Mohammed Shahid, 40, and Ismail Khan, 28.

Pirabad SHO Badiuzaman said that the fire officials had informed the police that short circuit might have caused the blaze.

The officer said that the victims were labourers who were asleep there when the fire broke out. The SHO said that the police have registered a case against the factory owner, Abdul Hameed, on behalf of the state over charges of manslaughter. Efforts were under way to arrest the owner.

Man shot dead

A 30-year-old man was shot dead in Korangi Industrial Area on Friday.

Police said Mohammed Usman left his home and was riding a motorbike when unidentified persons shot and killed him in Sector 6-G of Mehran Town. It was not known as to whether the murder was linked with a robbery or something else.

A police officer said the victim’s brother, who lived in Baldia Town, told the police that they had no enmity with anyone.

Published in Dawn, November 28th, 2020