Home Secretary awards “gallantry certificates” to rescue officers

Lahore: Home Secretary Punjab Maj. (R) Azam Suleman Khan awarded  “gallantry certificates” to rescue officers and officials who responded swiftly & professionally in ammonia gas leakage incident at Hanif Park, Badami Bagh, Lahore.

Director General Punjab Emergency Service Brig ® Arshad Zia informed that on Novmber 23, 2015, at 10:45 pm, main pipe line of ammonia gas of Hanif Park Badami Bagh coal starage was leaked. The gas spread speedily as a result of which a number of people became unconscious. He said that Rescue 1122 Lahore provided swift response to incident side, successfully disconnected ammonia gas connections and cope up the leakage of ammonia gas by putting their lives on risk in only six minutes. He said that operational staff safely evacuated 221 victims and shifted them to hospitals after provision of emergency medical treatment. The timely and professional response of the rescuers saved the incident turning into the major toxic disaster, he added. He also informed Secretary Home Punjab about existing resources of Rescue 1122.

Home Secretary Punjab, Maj. (R) Azam Suleman Khan appreciated the performance of Rescue 1122 and said that Rescue 1122 is considered people friendly department which is an honor for all the government departments. He advised management of Punjab Emergency Service to share their experiences with all districts, especially District Emergency Officers. He directed to strengthen Urban Search and Rescue Teams at division level through sniper dogs along with specialized trainers.