Load shedding: Residents burn tyres, block traffic

Protesters pelt KESC repair vehicle as it tried to repair faults.

KARACHI: Residents blocked roads and burnt tyres to protest prolonged power outages in Karachi late Tuesday evening causing a massive traffic jam.

Residents from Delhi Colony and surrounding areas near Punjab Chowrangi  had been deprived of electrical power for up to 16 hours.

Almost 100 residents of Delhi colony poured into the streets at 11pm and blocked traffic. They set tyres on fire and chanted slogans against the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation.

Irked citizens torched tyres on Punjab roundabout which caused a massive traffic jam of heavy vehicles on main Sunset boulevard.

A KESC vehicle that tried to approach the area to redress the fault was pelted by protesters and had to retreat. However, when KESC officials explained to irate residents that the only way their power could be restored would be if they allowed the repair vehicle through, residents allowed KESC repairmen access.