Pakistan: Explosion reported at food manufacturing plant in Karachi Fish Harbor area, Sindh Province, late Aug. 8

Event

Authorities are responding to an explosion that occurred at a food manufacturing plant in the Karachi Fish Harbor area in Sindh Province late Aug. 8. Preliminary reports indicate an ammonia gas leak may have caused the blast, and the leakage is causing health-related concerns in some surrounding areas. The incident has left at least 11 people injured.

Emergency personnel will almost certainly maintain a heightened security posture in the impacted area over the coming hours. Associated localized transport disruptions are likely.

Advice

Avoid the incident site as a precaution. Consider seeking alternative routes to circumvent the impacted area. If operating nearby, consider remaining indoors if fumes are heavy, especially if you suffer from a respiratory illness such as asthma or conditions that lead to increased risk from gas exposure. Eye and skin irritation is possible; flush irritated parts with copious amounts of clean water. Heed all official transport and security advisories.