Soybean dust a likely cause of deaths in Kiamari

Factories, companies, schools and colleges in Kiamari have been closed owing to gas leakage

KARACHI (Dunya News) – Soybean dust from cargo of a ship could be a possible cause of the mysterious deaths in Kiamari area of Karachi.

According to details, report of Forensic Science Lab of Karachi University states that soybean dust could be linked with the latest deaths and breathing issue cases in Karachi. Blood and urine samples of the victims were taken during the preparation of the report.

Experts at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences carried out tests. The initial report which was sent to Commissioner Karachi, states that soybean dust present in an anchored ship at Karachi port affected the people.

On the other hand, Pakistan Peoples Party Leader Barrister Murtaza Wahab, tweeted on social networking website Twitter that University of Karachi prepared the report and sent it to Commissioner Karachi.

He wrote, “Preliminary report has been submitted by experts at Khi Uni which suggests that Keamari incident happened due to over exposure of soybean dust which is known to have also caused similar incidents in other parts of the world. This soybean is in a shipment docked at Khi Port”.

Preliminary report has been submitted by experts at Khi Uni which suggests that Keamari incident happened due to over exposure of soybean dust which is known to have also caused similar incidents in other parts of the world. This soybean is in a shipment docked at Khi Port

— SenatorMurtaza Wahab (@murtazawahab1) February 18, 2020

The death toll from “the leakage of mysterious toxic gas” in Karachi’s Kiamari area rose to 14 on Tuesday. Provincial health department focal person Dr Zafar Mehdi has confirmed the number of deaths. Out of the total deaths, nine people breathed their last at the Ziauddin Hospital.

Dozens of other patients have been undergoing treatment, with many of them in critical condition, at various medical facilities across the city.

According to the hospital administration, the victims were experiencing respiratory problems, dizziness, vomits and stomachaches. The Hospital has been facing shortage of oxygen, while many patients were being shifted to other medical centers.

Factories, companies, schools and colleges in Kiamari have been closed owing to poisonous gas leakage in the area.

Earlier, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had visited Ziauddin Hospital and Jinnah Hospital and inquired about the health of gas-affected persons. He also directed the administration to use all resources to provide best treatment to the patients.