ISLAMABAD, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- A total of 289 people have been confirmed dead and another 249 have been injured in the Karachi factory fire that broke out on Tuesday evening, said Pakistan's Sindh Province Governor Ishrat ul Ebad on Wednesday.
This is the latest figures announced by the government regarding the casualties of the deadly fire that erupted in a garments factory in the province's capital Karachi at about 6:00 p. m. Tuesday.
These are not the final figures as the rescue work for the recovery of more bodies trapped inside the badly burnt building is still underway, said rescue officials, adding that the rescue work has slowed down as night set in and rains started.
There is no light on the rescue site as some electricity problem occurred in the area, said local media, adding that this has seriously affected the progress of the rescue work.
Tuesday's factory fire in Karachi is the worst of its kind ever reported in the country in the last few years.
Both Pakistani President Zardari and Prime Minister Ashraf have expressed deep sorrow over the tremendous loss of lives in the fire. Pakistani Prime Minister Ashraf, who is currently in China for a visit, has instructed the relevant departments to give the best possible medial treatment to the injured people.
Sindh Governor has announced a one-day mourning for the fire victims on Wednesday.
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