Islamabad, Mar 29, 2025: A fire broke out near a Karachi Oil Refinery the Korangi area, triggering a large-scale firefighting operation involving multiple emergency teams.
Rescue 1122 confirmed the incident on Saturday, stating that the blaze originated from a gas pipeline near the Karachi Oil Refinery.
Firefighting Efforts in Full Swing
According to Rescue 1122, over 20 fire trucks from Rescue 1122, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), and Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) were deployed to tackle the escalating flames.
Sindh Rehabilitation Minister Makhdoom Mehboub Zaman directed Rescue 1122 Director General (DG) Abid Jalaluddin Shaikh to stay in constant communication with his team.
Meanwhile, Edhi Foundation ambulances and volunteers also rushed to assist at the scene.
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Fire Linked to Drilling Work
A Korangi police spokesperson revealed that the fire started during groundwater drilling in Korangi Creek.
Senior police officials, including SSP Korangi Tariq Nawaz, SP Landhi, and the area’s station house officer (SHO), are present at the site.
Authorities noted that the fire’s intensity is increasing, prompting the deployment of additional police officers from nearby stations.
Meanwhile, Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) teams have joined the efforts to investigate the cause of the blaze.
Experts Investigating Cause
Rescue-1122 DG Abid Jalaluddin Shaikh disclosed that despite using large amounts of water and foam, the fire remains uncontrolled.
He mentioned that SSGC and Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) experts have conducted soil testing, with results expected in a few hours to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Shaikh speculated that pockets of underground oil or gas may have been exposed due to digging in the coastal area for a housing project, potentially triggering the fire.
Frequent Fire Incidents in Karachi
Karachi frequently witnesses fire outbreaks due to insufficient fire safety measures. Earlier this month, a fire at Kawish Plaza on Sharea Faisal led to a major rescue operation.
Separate Fire in North Karachi
Meanwhile, a separate fire erupted in a gas pipeline near Al-Hamid School in North Karachi. A Rescue 1122 spokesperson confirmed that emergency teams.
Including firefighters and ambulances, swiftly responded to contain the situation. Edhi Foundation personnel were also present, assisting with relief efforts.
Authorities continue to investigate the causes of both incidents, as Karachi battles recurring fire hazards in critical areas.
