KARACHI: At least two people burned to death and another three suffered burn injuries after a today (Thursday) broke out at an oil terminal in Karachi’s Kemari district.
According to details, the blaze erupted in the Shell Oil Depot at Keamari Terminal-1 following which three injured people were shifted to the Burns Centre of the Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital.
In this regard, Jackson police Station House Officer (SHO) Malik Adil Khan has informed that five employees of the company were reportedly present when the fire broke out. The deceased were identified as Shahid and Salih Mohammed.
Meanwhile, the fire was brought under control by the fire tenders of the Karachi Port Trust and KMC Fire Brigade after four hours. An official of the KPT fire department informed that the exact cause of the blaze may become clear after experts submit their final report.
Rangers personnel along with rescue services were present at the site of the huge fire and cordoned off the area. The paramilitary force’s members also took part in efforts to rescue the victims and control the fire.
The fire affected oil supply to the entire country after the All Pakistan Oil Tankers Owners Association (APOTOA) advised tanker owners, drivers and cleaners to stay away from the affected oil depot for their safety.
In this regard, APOTOA senior vice-chairman Mir Shams Shahwani said that it will be restored considering the situation after the fire is completely extinguished.
APOTOA senior vice-chairman has also requested Prime Minister Imran Khan, the petroleum minister and the secretary petroleum to increase security along the depot and take additional precautionary measures to avoid such incidents in the future.
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