Karachi Chamber of Commerce Faces Cylinder Explosion Tragedy

Karachi Faces Series of Incidents Due to Cylinder Explosions

Recently, Karachi has been hit by a series of unfortunate incidents involving cylinder explosions, resulting in casualties and injuries. The most recent incident occurred in New Chali area, where one person lost their life and six others were injured due to a cylinder explosion in a generator market building. The explosion, which occurred in front of the Chamber of Commerce, caused a loud noise that reverberated across the vicinity. Despite the prompt arrival of rescue and police officials, the fire brigade staff faced challenges in containing the ensuing fire, leading to significant damage to the building.

These incidents highlight the dangers associated with gas cylinders, whether used for domestic or commercial purposes. Sub-standard cylinders often fail to adhere to essential Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) during refilling, increasing the risk of explosions.

In a separate incident near Shara-e-Faisal Nursery, a moving vehicle caught fire, fortunately resulting in no harm to the occupants. The swift response from residents and the rescue team helped in extinguishing the fire and preventing further escalation of the situation.

Notably, Karachi had witnessed a similar tragedy in December 2023 when a gas cylinder explosion led to the collapse of a double-storey building in Machar Colony, claiming three lives and injuring 17 others. The explosion occurred during the transfer of gas to a shop, highlighting the critical need for adherence to safety protocols in handling gas cylinders.

These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring proper handling and maintenance of gas cylinders to prevent such tragic events in the future.