SSGC ordered to pay Rs30m compensation

Utility held responsible for gas leak explosion killing consumers

KARACHI:

A Senior Civil Judge (West) has issued a verdict in a compensation case against the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) over a fatal gas pipeline explosion that occurred in 2022 in Orangi Town.

The court found SSGC guilty of negligence and ordered the company to pay Rs30 million in damages under the Fatal Accidents Act. In its judgment, the court noted that the explosion was caused by a gas leak, and the company had failed to prevent it.

The court observed that a gas utility is responsible for ensuring the safety of citizens' lives and property, and negligence in this duty led to severe consequences. SSGC has been directed to pay the compensation amount to the plaintiff within one month. During proceedings, the claimant's counsel, Usman Farooq, argued that the explosion occurred in October 2022 due to a gas leak at his client's residence, resulting in the deaths of the client's parents.