Kemari toxic gas: Authorities spring into action after 18 deaths reported in the area
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has taken notice of the deaths
Authorities spring into action after 18 deaths were reported in Karachi’s Kemari District due to the emission of a toxic gas!
On Thursday, the Sindh Health department confirmed that at least 18 people have died in the last 16 days, including children, in the Keamari district allegedly due to the toxic chemical being discharged from two factories located in the area.
According to Keamari District Disease Surveillance and Response Units (DDSRU), around 18 people had mysteriously died in Ali Muhammad Goth, in Mawach Goth UC 8, of Keamari District between January 10, 2023, to January 25, 2023.
According to officials, the victims passed away within five to seven days after showing symptoms including fever, sore throat, and shortness of breath.
District Health Officer (DHO) Keamari Dr Muhammad Arif while talking to Geo News said from January 10 to 25, the deaths of a number of people aged 18-50 were reported, however, none of the deceased was autopsied.
Furthermore, Sindh Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Deputy Director Munir Ahmed Abbasi also visited the site on Friday.
According to him, samples from the air have been collected and will be able to report on what is found within 24 hours.
As reported, the district administration and environment agencies have sealed three factories in the area, while further investigations are underway.
Meanwhile, Medical camps have been set up in the area as well.
District Health Officer (DHO) Keamari Dr Muhammad Arif said mobile medical units, including chest x-rays will be brought into the area.
“The situation cannot be understood with the x-rays of merely 50 to 100 people,” he said.
According to Keamari Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mukhtiar Ali Abro, after the news regarding the deaths was received in the area, a mobile lab and a team of doctors were dispatched.
A statement issued by the health department said that the officials visited the Ali Muhammad Goth area of Keamari district earlier today to investigate the mysterious deaths.
“Medical camps for the treatment of pneumonia have also been established in the affected area. Further investigation is under way,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has taken notice of the deaths, directing Commissioner Karachi, DG Health, and the Labour Department to conduct an inquiry into the incident and submit their report.
