Fuel tank catches fire at KPT oil terminal, at least one die in blaze

KARACHI: Eleven fire tenders have been engaged in firefighting to put out the blaze at a fuel tank at Karachi Port oil terminal, ARY News reported on Saturday.

According to eyewitnesses, the fire began with an explosion and four people seen thrown away by the impact of the blast. A dead body and an injured have been retrieved while two others are being traced, an official said.

KPT’s chief fire officer, Saeed Jadoon, talking to ARY News said that a fuel tank filled with 1000 tonnes of combustible has caught fire. He said that the burning fuel tank owned by a private entity and the authorities are trying to contact with the owner, he added.

The fire chief said that 10 fire tenders of KPT and one from Pakistan Navy have been engaged in firefighting operation.

He expressed apprehension that the fuel tank could explode to further aggravate the situation. He said precautionary measures have been taken to avoid the disaster.

The fire tenders of the KMC fire brigade will also reach soon to extend help in the firefighting operation, he further said.

Talking on the cause behind the blaze the fire chief said according to initial assessment it could be caused by the human error and denied any possibility of sabotage and terrorism.

He said a dead body and an injured among the four effected people have been retrieved from the terminal having 25 fuel tanks. Efforts are underway to trace remaining two victims. The injured man has been admitted at a hospital for medical attendance, he further said.

The official lauded the efforts of rescue agencies especially the workers of Edhi Trust in the relief operation.