KARACHI : Commuters faced severe disruption on Saturday after a furnace oil pipeline belonging to the National Refinery leaked in the upscale Defense Khayaban-e-Sahar area, spilling crude oil onto the main thoroughfare.
Police officials confirmed that the pipeline, described as “quite old,” runs directly beneath the middle of the road. Upon receiving reports of the leak, authorities immediately informed the National Refinery, which promptly halted the supply to the affected line.
However, by the time the flow was stopped, a significant quantity of crude oil had already surfaced onto the asphalt, creating hazardous driving conditions and an environmental concern. As a precautionary measure, law enforcement closed the road to all traffic, diverting vehicles to alternate routes to avoid accidents and further contamination.
A team from the National Refinery has since arrived at the site and commenced repair and cleanup operations. Police stated that the road will remain closed until the affected section is deemed safe and the oil residue is fully cleared. Further updates on the restoration of traffic flow are expected as work progresses.
