KARACHI: Five workers died after inhaling poisonous chemicals while cleaning an underground tank at a factory.

The incident took place at a privately-owned factory near Vita roundabout in Korangi industrial area.

Six workers were cleaning the tank when they become unconscious after inhaling the hazardous chemical. They were shifted to Jinnah Hospital in critical condition, where five of them could not survive.

One of the workers is still in critical condition and is struggling for his life.

The dead were identified as Irfan, Mairaj, Abdul Rahim, Abdul Ghaffar and Ayaz. They were aged between 20-25 years and were residents of Korangi.

They had come to the factory to earn their bread and butter but the tragic incident occurred. The news of their tragic death has shocked their family members who are trying to recover it.

Police have reached the place of the incident and have started investigations. They would launch criminal proceedings against the factory owners if any negligence has been found. It is not known what safety precautions were taken at the factory.