SSGC to Challenge Karachi Explosion Liability Ruling

Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has announced its intention to challenge a civil court judgment that held the utility liable for a fatal gas explosion at a residential property in Karachi’s Orangi Town, which resulted in the deaths of a married couple and caused burn injuries to their children.

In an official clarification issued subsequent to the ruling, SSGC maintained that no gas connection had ever been installed at the premises in question. On this basis, the company contends that it cannot be held responsible for any alleged gas leakage in the absence of an authorized supply connection.

Notwithstanding this position, the civil court accepted the claims brought against the utility and found it liable for negligence in relation to the 2022 incident. The court had earlier directed SSGC to pay compensation amounting to Rs30 million to the surviving children of the deceased.

The proceedings were initiated by the daughter of the victims, who instituted two identical suits through legal counsel before a Senior Civil Judge (West) under the Fatal Accidents Act, 1855, seeking damages totaling Rs50 million in respect of the deaths of her parents.

According to SSGC, the litigation arose from an explosion at a residential premises that resulted in fatalities and injuries, leading to allegations of negligence against the utility.

Following the adverse decision, SSGC has indicated that it will exercise its statutory right to file an appeal before the competent district court, thereby continuing legal proceedings in the matter.