Toxic Chemicals Detected Near Karachi’s Underground Fire Site
KARACHI: A preliminary report by Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has revealed the presence of hazardous chemicals in water samples collected near an ongoing underground fire in Korangi Creek, raising concerns about potential health and environmental risks.
Key Findings:
- Elevated Toxins Detected:
- Tetrachloroethylene (33 µg/L) – 6x above safe limits (5 µg/L)
- Benzene (19 µg/L) – Exceeds permissible levels
- Toluene (15 µg/L) – Above safety thresholds
- Traces of o-xylene (marginally high)
- No Oil/Gas Seepage: Hydrocarbon levels remain within acceptable limits.
Fire Incident Details:
- Ignition Date: March 29 during a 1,200-foot bore drilling operation.
- Suspected Cause: Biogenic methane release due to underground plate movement.
- Current Status:
- Fire continues to burn, expanding 5-10% since last week.
- No firefighting efforts (foam or brigade deployment) underway.
- Area sealed off by district authorities for monitoring.
Potential Risks:
- Toxicity & Flammability: Chemicals pose long-term health hazards and fire risks.
- Environmental Threat: Possible groundwater contamination if leakage persists.
Official Response:
- Sindh Energy Ministry: Yet to issue a statement.
- Sui Southern Gas Company: Confirmed no gas installations near the fire zone.
Why It Matters:
- Raises public health concerns for nearby residents.
- Highlights industrial safety gaps in drilling operations.
- Calls for urgent mitigation to prevent further environmental damage.
