Death Toll Rises in Pakistan Fire

Pakistani officials confirmed that over 300 people died after a fire broke out in a garment factory in Karachi on Tuesday—the same day that at least 25 people died in a shoe factory fire in Lahore. Witnesses said the Karachi building was still smoldering on Wednesday as officials said 40 firefighting vehicles were needed to tackle the fire. The Karachi fire chief said the victims died from smoke inhalation and suffocation, while others were injured after attempting to escape the fire by jumping from the building. Officials said the windows of the factory were blocked by metal grilles and were also full of combustible materials, including chemicals and piles of clothing. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.