An eye witness said that two oil tankers were exiting the oil depot, located near the airport, after topping up when one of the tankers experienced a problem with its air locks. As its driver tried to remove the obstacle, some sparks flew. Shortly there after the two tankers blew up with a loud explosion.
Emergency teams from Islamabad and Rawalpindi and the armed forces have reached the spot and managed to put out the resultant fire. They are currently working to prevent any further fires from erupting at the depot.
DSP Civil Lines Naveed Tariq said that there were no casualties in the blast, the crew of the two tankers were safe. He added that the depot contains petrol, diesel and flammable oils. He also confirmed that a spark from the air lock first caused a large fire ball with a blast soon thereafter.
Eye witnesses say emergency services brought in two dump trucks full of sand to cover the spilt oil to prevent the spread of fire.
Drivers of the other tankers parked at the depot said that their vehicles were out of danger.
Police and security forces have cordoned off the area.
Surrounding residential areas of Gharibabad and Rahmatabad have been evacuated, Express News reported.
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Fysel you are right an other most Dangrous thing is here the lubricants Mixing Storege where chimicles are stored in side depot shed close with bulk storege ,All Bult sotrege of other Petroluim marking companies out side from Rawalpindi .only shell depot remain in near by Railway station Amry housing Air port and thickly population around depo.Army also keep quiet .where bulk storege filling decantation activity or Lubricants chemicls around 300 sq meter harmfull for population lums respirety infection even cancer but all concern institution are silent .if its occuers inside depot disaster will be happen in future .govt army officels should take action and reviewd on safety mangment system of shell
Shell oil company always our proud on safety HSE fire emergency But situation infront of us . this depo now in side populated even stratigic area where army officel are living . Just to reduce travlling cost shell not relocate this depot site from this area . Govt gives many time Remind taht Relocate this depot but due to currupt Ministry of oil petrloum get kick backs and not take any action that how people harm with lead effects . Now govt take inquairy against shell on this incident
Thanks God there are no casualities. Huge noise was also heard in Chaklala Scheme III
It was better be stolen