QUETTA (MNN); A gas pipeline was blown up in a suspected act of sabotage near Akhtarabad on the outskirts of Quetta on Monday, sparking a fire and disrupting gas supply to several areas, officials said.
According to initial reports, the explosion hit a section of the pipeline near the Western Bypass, triggering flames that were visible from a considerable distance. The blast caused extensive damage to the infrastructure, forcing authorities to suspend gas supply to nearby localities.
Police and security forces quickly reached the scene, sealed off the area, and initiated a preliminary investigation. Officials from the gas company were also dispatched to evaluate the damage and begin repair work.
Authorities confirmed that gas supply to parts of the Western Bypass and surrounding neighborhoods has been halted as a precautionary measure. Efforts are ongoing to extinguish the fire and restore the damaged pipeline.
No casualties have been reported so far, while the exact cause of the explosion is yet to be officially determined. However, similar incidents in Balochistan in the past have often been linked to sabotage targeting energy infrastructure.
Further details are expected as investigations continue.
