A fire broke out at Keamari terminal in an oil terminal leading to two people being burnt to death and at least three others suffering from burn injuries. The eruption occurred in the Shell Oil Depot at Keamari Terminal – 1 after which the injured were shifted to the Burns Centre of the Dr. Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital in Karachi. The deceased were identified as Shahid and Salih Muhammad.
The fire was brought under control by fire tenders of the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and KMC Fire Brigade. The incident is said to have occurred due to a PSO import line of 20 inches diameter catching fire. The authorities were however quick to take action and ensure safety of every personnel present at the PSO terminal. An official said that they received the information of the blaze at around 1:05 p.m. and by 3:30 pm., it was all under control. The exact cause of the blaze is said to be clear after the submission of the final report.
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. The oil supply from the terminal was terminated on the vice chairman’s orders, and shall be restored after the complete extinguishing of the situation. The APOTOA representatives were completely cooperating with the Shell Pakistan Limited and the Prime Minister as well the Petroleum Minister have been requested to take additional measures in preventing any such happenings in the future.
