Gadani is world’s third—largest shipbreaking
centres — after Alang and Mumbai — where more than 15,000 workers are directly
employed while another two million indirectly earn their livelihoods from it.
At least 14 people were on Tuesday killed and
more than 50 others injured when a series of explosions rocked an oil tanker
that was being dismantled at a ship-breaking yard in Pakistan’s southern
Balochistan province.
The fate at least 30 workers remains unknown
following the explosions at the Gadani shipbreaking yard, where more than 100
people were working on the 8-foot-high ship at the time.
Police and rescue officials said at least 14
bodies have been recovered. “We are not sure how many workers were inside the
tanker when the explosions occurred, but the number is said to be around 100,”
area SSP Raja Ashfaq said.
Deputy General Secretary of the National
Trade Union Federation Nasir Mansoor said there could be up to 200 workers
trapped inside the tanker. “We are trying to get the figures.”
Gadani is world’s third—largest shipbreaking
centres — after Alang and Mumbai — where more than 15,000 workers are directly
employed while another two million indirectly earn their livelihoods from it.
Mr. Ashfaq said the injured had been shifted
to hospitals in Karachi. He said most of the dead where those workers who had
tried to jump into the sea and drowned or were burnt alive.
Some workers remain trapped inside the ship
and a fire engine at the scene was unsuccessful in putting out the fire,
reports said.
Naval fire engines and a helicopter reached
the site this evening to help in rescue operations.
“The rescue work is taking time because the
ship is big and the flames have engulfed it from inside and small explosions
can be heard taking place,” the SSP said.
About eight explosions occurred in the
oil-tanker due to gas-welding work, and more explosions were feared.
A loud blast rocked a ship docked in the
shipbreaking yard, setting the ship on fire. More than 25 people have been
rescued, an official of Edhi Trust welfare foundation said.
President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister
Nawaz Sharif have expressed grief over the loss of lives in the accident.
Sharif also ordered an inquiry into the
incident.
The Edhi Trust official said the death toll
is feared to could go up.
Source:
the hindu. 01 November 2016
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