December 19, 2008	Friday	Zilhaj 20, 1429

KARACHI, Dec 18: The Sui Southern Gas Company has accepted responsibility for Wednesday night’s “oil pipe leak” in Korangi. It has suspended six senior executives for their negligence.

A press statement issued by the company stated that a crude oil pipeline in the Korangi area of Karachi was inadvertently damaged by SSGC crew at 6.15pm. The statement clarified that while the damage caused the leak, there was no fire, and neither did the pipe burst.

The concerned SSGC authorities immediately cut gas supply to the area, while also informing the Parco emergency response team, which arrived at the site by 8pm. SSGC, along with city district government staff, cordoned off the area and helped to evacuate residents from their homes and ensure their safety, the statement said.

SSGC senior management then reached the site, and immediately formed a committee to begin a departmental inquiry into the matter. Action was taken by suspending six senior executives for their negligence, which led to the incident.

The statement said that SSGC responded to the situation rapidly, setting up a camp for residents and providing food, medicine and ambulances, along with a janitorial crew to clean up the accumulation of crude oil.

SSGC thanked Karachi Nazim Mustafa Kamal and the CDGK for their help and co-operation.

“SSGC would like to thank all the organisations who are collaborating with each other to quickly resolve this incident and deeply regrets any inconvenience caused to the residents of Korangi,” the statement concluded.