Garment factory fire in Pakistan kills 295

Karachi, Pakistan (4E) – Search and rescue workers recovered on Wednesday 295 bodies from a burned garments factory in a Karachi town.

Among the dead victims were 17 women and one fireman, who died while helping contain the burning three-story factory at Hub River Road , Balida Town on Tuesday night. The charred bodies were taken to morgues while the injured were taken to different hospitals for treatment.

Some 65 people suffered broken bones after jumping from the windows of the building to escape the fire. Others suffered burns and smoke inhalation.

More bodies are believed to be in the basement of the building but these could not yet be recovered because the damaged structure is feared to collapse anytime.

Meanwhile, police are searching for the owner of the factory named Shahid Billa. Authorities observed that the building lacked fire exits.

Some 2,000 workers and their children and wives were at the factory to claim their salaries when the fire broke out.

Investigators are now determining the cause of the fire.

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