Fire Near Karachi Oil Refinery Burns Uncontrolled for Over 30 Hours

A massive fire that erupted early Saturday 29th of March near an oil refinery in Karachi’s Korangi district has continued to rage for more than 30 hours, with authorities still struggling to contain it.

Fire Origin and Response

The blaze started during deep excavation work at a site approximately 1,800 feet underground, reportedly during groundwater drilling in the Korangi Creek area. Seven fire brigade vehicles have been deployed to the scene, but the fire’s intensity remains a challenge.

Emergency and Evacuation Efforts

No casualties have been reported, and workers at the excavation site, along with nearby residents, were promptly evacuated to safety. The Edhi Foundation, a leading charitable organization in Pakistan, confirmed that an ambulance and volunteers were on-site, though no injuries have been documented.

Law Enforcement and Gas Company Intervention

Senior Superintendent of Police Tariq Nawaz and other law enforcement officials are present at the location. As the fire continues to intensify, additional personnel from neighboring police stations have been called in. Teams from the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) are also assisting with containment efforts.

Government Intervention and Investigation

Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tesori has expressed serious concerns over the ongoing blaze and urged Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi to take immediate action. He emphasized the need for swift measures to control the fire and suggested deploying helicopters if necessary.

Authorities are still investigating the exact cause of the fire, and efforts to bring it under control remain ongoing.

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