Containers with chemicals, textiles and batteries fuel the fire; no victims were reported
Firefighters battle a fire at Karachi Port’s West Wharf terminal on January 16, 2026. Photo: Express
A massive fire at the Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT) at Kiamari Port’s west berth, which engulfed more than 20 containers on Friday, has been completely extinguished, officials confirmed. Thick columns of smoke could be seen from the fire several kilometers away. Fortunately, no victims were reported.
Authorities said the containers were carrying electronics, chemicals, textiles and batteries, which intensified the fire. Firefighting teams of Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Pakistan Navy, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Fire Brigade, Sindh Rescue 1122 and Karachi Shipyard rushed to the spot.
A total of 15 firefighting units were deployed and, after an intense operation, the fire was brought under control. Cooling operations continued for several hours to prevent reignition.
As a precautionary measure, port authorities suspended the loading and unloading of two ships, partially affecting port operations. Officials said activities in other areas of the port continued on a limited scale and all staff were safely evacuated.
KMC fire chief Humayun Khan said the cause of the fire could not be immediately determined, adding that containers carrying various types of goods were affected. Tankers and firefighting vehicles remained activated for several hours to contain the fire.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry took notice of the incident and sought a detailed report, ordering the KPT chairman and relevant officials to reach the spot and use all available resources to control the fire.
KPT Chairman Shahid Ahmed confirmed that the fire had been completely extinguished and praised the coordinated efforts of KPT and Pakistan Navy fire teams as well as Rescue 1122 and Karachi Shipyard units. He said the operation demonstrated effective cooperation between all agencies and the professionalism of the firefighting teams was commendable.
The extent of financial losses and the exact cause of the fire have yet to be determined, and investigations are ongoing.
