KARACHI: A garment factory situated within the Baldia town area of Karachi caught fire overnight. The death toll of the tragic incident has recently been reported to have reached 289.

Search operation is still underway within the basement ,second and third floor of the factory. According to reports, the fire within the basement has still been extinguished. There are chances that the death toll may rise, as relatives of the factory workers are still searching for their loved ones.

The factory positioned within the Baldia town no.2 area caught fire late yesterday night while starting the generator. Consequently, a blast occurred and the building caught fire in no time. Fire Brigades and other rescue operatives reached the spot immediately after receiving the news.

Officials have confirmed the death of 242 individuals as a result of the devastating fire. According to hospital officials, 80 dead bodies have been shifted to Civil Hospital while 71 and 91 bodies have been shifted to Jinnah and Abbasi Shaheed hospitals respectively.

Most of the dead bodies have been identified while some are difficult to identify because of their distorted condition. The bodies of the victims are being handed over to their relatives.

Governor Sindh Ishrat ul Ebad, while terming the incident unfortunate, has announced a one-day mourning within Sindh province.