Paretabad incident
Paretabad, a densely populated locality in Hyderabad, has been shrouded in sorrow, following a devastating incident that could have been avoided. Witnesses describe a scene straight out of a nightmare. It all began with a single cylinder explosion at a fuel filling shop, igniting a massive fire. As curious onlookers gathered, a second cylinder exploded, unleashing a fireball that engulfed everyone nearby. The result was chaos and destruction, with many victims now in critical condition, clinging to life in various hospitals across Karachi. Eight children, rushed to the burns ward of Civil Hospital Karachi, succumbed to their injuries by Friday evening.
The community is in shock, mourning and seething with anger. Families of the approximately 60 affected households are demanding answers. They want to know why such hazardous businesses are allowed to operate in tightly packed areas without stringent safety measures. This is a severe dereliction of duty by the authorities responsible for enforcing safety regulations. The presence of a fuel filling shop storing multiple LPG cylinders in a crowded area was always a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. The sad reality, however, is that such instances are preventable, and this is precisely why stringent regulations regarding gas cylinders need to be maintained. Immediate action is needed to review and enforce safety regulations. Hazardous businesses must be relocated to safer, less populated areas, and rigorous inspections must become the norm to ensure compliance with safety standards.
The incident in Paretabad is a painful wake-up call. Condolences are not enough. The community needs assurance that steps are being taken to prevent such tragedies from recurring. Ensuring the safety of citizens should be the top priority and it is high time for the authorities to prove their commitment by taking strict action.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 4th, 2024.
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