KARACHI:
Regular gas outages have compelled people across the country to resort to gas cylinders. However, compressed gas cylinders can become deadly if not handled with great care, which is why extra precautionary measures are taken during their transport and storage. Unfortunately, transporters and retailers are handling gas cylinders carelessly, which has led to dangerous accidents.
In Karachi, a moving vehicle transporting liquified petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders caught fire causing fear among commuters and pedestrians on the busy road. In another incident, a fire broke out at an LPG shop in Surjani Town. Cylinders kept exploding one after the other due to the fire causing alarm and panic in the area. A worker at the shop sustained injuries. Many similar incidents have been reported across the country in recent months. People have begun carrying empty cylinders to fill them with gas. It is also worth mentioning that gas cylinders are extremely heavy and improper handling can result in sprains, strains, bruises, and broken bones.
As gas outages become more frequent, the government should find a safer and environmentally friendly alternative for people to use instead of cylinders. The relevant authorities should also initiate an awareness campaign to inform people about the dangers of mishandling gas cylinders and urge people to take safety measures. Transporters and retailers who are not following safety protocols should be fined to avoid fatal accidents in the future.
Kouser Shaikh
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, January 11th, 2023.
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