The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) on Sunday issued a public safety and environmental advisory after a crude oil pipeline operated by National Refinery Limited (NRL) burst in Karachi’s DHA Phase VI, according to a statement issued by the provincial government’s Information Department.

South DIG Syed Asad Raza, speaking to Dawn, confirmed that NRL’s pipeline, which carries oil from Keamari to Korangi, had developed a leak, causing crude oil to spill onto the road.

Darakhshan police SHO Syed Rashid Ali said the pipeline was very old and ran through a road median.

According to Sepa, the leak occurred on Khayaban-e-Sehar, Street 13, at around 10:30pm on Saturday.

The statement quoted Sepa Director General Ashiq Langah as saying that NRL’s response team reached the site around midnight and launched containment and clean-up operations. Spill kits were used to recover the leaked oil, with more than 20 drums collected so far, he said.

Excavation work has begun at the site to locate the exact point of the leak and stop it completely, added the statement.

Environment Secretary Faisal Uqaili directed the authorities to ensure the immediate removal and safe disposal of contaminated soil, sand and sludge in accordance with environmental laws. Fresh sand would be placed at the site after the remedial work was completed, according to Sepa.

The environmental watchdog said it was continuing to monitor the situation and had directed NRL management to ensure that the leak was fully contained, contaminated material was properly disposed of and the potential environmental impact assessed.

“Protection of citizens and prevention of further environmental pollution remain among the Sindh government’s top priorities,” Uqaili said, adding that immediate remedial measures would be taken and contaminated soil and other material disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations.

He said all relevant agencies were working in coordination and the situation was being closely monitored.

Sepa advised residents to stay away from the affected area, avoid smoking or using open flames near the spilled oil and refrain from attempting to clean it up themselves or washing it into drains.

Residents were also urged to immediately report any continued leakage or further spread of oil to the relevant authorities.