Six personnel of Pakistan Navy were killed and over 100 received injuries, when an accidental fire broke out on a Navy tanker during routine maintenance at dockyard, here on Thursday. Initial reports suggested that the death toll was likely to increase as most of the Navy men received third degree burns. Helicopters were used to shift the critically injured, around 55, to the intensive-care unit (ICU) of PNS Shifa. At about 2.57 pm the fire broke out during maintenance work on 'Moawin', an auxiliary craft that serves as one of the two fleet tankers.

The navy immediately deployed security personnel and cordoned off the place of accident. A Naval official said that an inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the incident and the extent of damage. However, the initial investigations revealed that the cause was some human error.

Moreover, it is learnt that Karachi Port Trust (KPT) immediately deputed its harbour master with two pilots and related equipment, two tugs and one pilot boat to assist Navy in controlling the fire.

Nonetheless, the port activities remained normal and sailing, and arrival of vessels was not disturbed.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2005