Karachi faced a significant safety and environmental challenge on Sunday morning when a damaged furnace oil pipeline leaked near Sea View, disrupting traffic and raising concerns in the area. The incident, reported at 6 am, involved a pipeline operated by Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL).
Immediate Impact
Furnace oil from the ruptured pipeline spilled onto the service road, seeping into a nearby residential project. This caused brief but notable traffic disruptions as authorities cordoned off affected areas to ensure safety and facilitate repair work.
Refinery operations were immediately halted, and the pumping of oil was suspended to prevent further leakage. Cleanup teams were swiftly deployed to the site to contain the spill and mitigate its impact.
Swift Action by Authorities
PRL’s Managing Director, Zahid Mir, confirmed that a response team was dispatched shortly after the leak was reported. Personnel from PRL and the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) worked collaboratively to oversee repairs and ensure public safety.
The damaged pipeline was repaired within a few hours, and cleanup efforts are underway to remove oil from the affected areas. Authorities also launched an investigation into the cause of the leak to prevent future incidents.
Previous Similar Incident
This is not the first such incident in Karachi. On October 12, a pipeline operated by the National Oil Refinery ruptured in Khayaban-e-Sehar, DHA, submerging a street in furnace oil. Swift action by authorities in that case included sealing off the area and warning residents to avoid the site.
Road Closures and Commuter Disruptions
Temporary road closures and diversions near Sea View led to delays for commuters, as safety remained the primary concern. Authorities managed the situation efficiently, ensuring that repairs and cleanup were conducted promptly.
