Nuclear Biological Chemical Damage (NBCD) team investigating an alleged gas leakage after 4 died, 15 lost consciousness in Karachi

There is an alleged chemical leak at the port-city Kemari area. The authorities are currently investigating the ‘root cause’ of the leak which occurred at the port.

File photo of an ambulance in Karachi. Source: AAP Image/EPA/SHAHZAIB AKBER

According to the local media, Dawn.com's news report, a ship had arrived at the port, which was located near the Jackson market.

The ship was reportedly carrying vegetables and when the container was opened, fumes emanated from it, which caused breathing problems for residents of the area.

The Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Ali Haider Zaidi wrote on social media that he has directed the KPT (Karachi Port Trust) authorities to ‘investigate the poisonous gas’ incident in Kemari.

“I have just requested Pakistan Navy to dispatch their Nuclear Biological Chemical Damage (NBCD) team to investigate the source of the incident of poisonous gas in Kemari area and take remedial measures.”

Pakistan's Federal Minister at the site of incident in Karachi. Source: Twitter/AliHaiderZaidi

The city's South Zone DIG Sharjeel Kharal said that a total of 19 persons, all of whom were residents of Jackson market and adjoining areas of Keamari, lost consciousness.

They were rushed to a Zia Uddin Hospital in Clifton, where four of the victims died during treatment.

But the mention of the word ‘nuclear’ by the Minister caused an apparent concern on social media.

The Minister later updated the situation on Twitter.

“By the Help of Almighty, things are now getting under control. NBCD team is deployed & is investigating root cause of the poisonous gas.

“ I have just now personally visited East Wharf & checked on the ships, including the vessel carrying soya bean from the US without any mask.”