Technical fault: Nine injured in gas pipeline explosion in Sehwan

Gas pressure in the main supply line is the cause of the incident, says official.

SEHWAN: At least nine people, including six women and a minor girl, were injured when the main gas supply line from Dadu to Sehwan exploded on Monday.

After the explosion, a fire broke out which soon engulfed four nearby houses and a mosque. The incident created fear among residents as the loud explosion could be heard about three to four kilometres away. The explosion took place in Ghulam Muhammad Khoso village - some 20 kilometres away from Sehwan city.



The police and officials of the Sui Southern Gas Company denied any criminal activity behind the explosion. The injured were taken to taluka hospital, Sehwan, and were said to be out of danger.

"The explosion took place because of the gas pressure in the main supply line," said Sub-Divisional Officer Iqbal Ahmed Gopang, adding that the supply line would be restored on Wednesday.

Owing to the damage, the gas supply to several areas of Dadu, including Sehwan, Bobak, Talti, Aarawi, Jhangara, Bhajara and Bhan Saeedabad, was disrupted, while the CNG stations in these towns were shutdown because of the suspension.

"It was a technical fault not a terrorist act," confirmed Sehwan ASP Tariq Wilayat.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 8^th, 2013.