Karachi Cylinder Explosion Claims 16 Lives, Rescue Underway
News Desk
Karachi: At least 16 people, including four children and six women, were killed and 14 others injured after a cylinder explosion rocked a three-storey residential building in Soldier Bazaar No. 3 on Wednesday night, rescue officials confirmed on Thursday.
The blast, which occurred on the building’s first floor, caused part of the structure to collapse, prompting an urgent rescue operation. Authorities said all available resources were deployed to search for survivors, with fears that one body remained buried under the debris.
Dr. Farrukh Lanjar, DIG East, said initial reports suggest the explosion was caused by a gas leak, though the true cause will be confirmed after a chemical examination. He added that the incident is under investigation and authorities will determine whether the building was legal or illegal, with action to be taken against those responsible.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/deadly-cylinder-blast-in-karachi-claims-two-lives/
Among the deceased were a 10-year-old girl, Nazia, and a 60-year-old man, Mohammad Riaz. Rescue teams also recovered the bodies of a 17-year-old girl, a 19-year-old girl, and an 18-year-old woman, along with two other women whose identities are still being confirmed.
Fourteen people, including children, were injured and shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment. A 14-year-old girl was among those rescued alive.
The search operation has now concluded, and efforts are underway to remove debris from the site. Police have cordoned off the area and tightened security as authorities continue their investigation.
