Death toll in Karachi factory blaze rises to 289

A devastating fire at a garment factory in Pakistan’s commercial hub of Karachi overnight killed at least 289 people, authorities said Wednesday, as the deadly blaze raised fresh concerns about workplace safety. Emergency services kept battling the flames and pulling out bodies throughout the day, but the death toll increased sharply as rescuers gained access to the basement of the Ali Enterprises production unit in the SITE industrial neighbourhood. The factory produced ready-made garments for local and Western markets. “Rescue teams have recovered 289 bodies, but fear finding many more in the basement,” said Roshan Ali Shaikh, the city’s top administration official. “Intense heat and smoke is preventing recovery efforts.”