At least 16 people were killed after a gas explosion caused a building to collapse in Karachi early Thursday morning. The victims included women and children. At least 13 other people were injured in the blast.
The incident happened in the Soldier Bazaar area, a crowded neighborhood in the city. The explosion took place around 4:00 am, when many Muslim families were awake to prepare sehri, the pre-dawn meal eaten during the holy month of Ramadan.
Building Collapses After Blast
Officials said the explosion damaged a three-storey apartment building, causing it to collapse. Many residents were trapped under the rubble.
Hassan Khan, a spokesperson for the provincial rescue agency, confirmed the death toll. He said rescue teams reached the site quickly and started removing debris to search for survivors. The rescue operation continued for several hours.
Local police chief Rizwan Patel also confirmed the incident and said authorities were working to find out the exact cause of the blast.
Gas Leak Suspected
Senior city official Nasrullah Abbasi said the explosion appeared to be caused by a gas leak. However, he said a full investigation is needed to confirm the exact reason.
Most homes in Karachi use natural gas for cooking. But because of low gas pressure and supply problems, many families also use LPG gas cylinders. Experts say these cylinders can be dangerous if there is a leak.
Officials are checking whether the blast was caused by a natural gas line or an LPG cylinder.
President Expresses Grief
Pakistan’s President, Asif Ali Zardari, expressed sadness over the tragedy. He offered condolences to the families of the victims.
He directed authorities to provide the best medical care to the injured. He also ordered a quick rescue effort and asked the Sindh government to strictly follow building safety rules.
The president called for better inspections of gas cylinders and a detailed investigation to prevent such incidents in the future.
Safety Concerns in Karachi
Building collapses and gas explosions have happened before in Karachi. Last year, a five-storey building collapsed in the Lyari area, killing 27 people.
Around 600 buildings in the city have been declared unsafe by the government. Karachi, the capital of Sindh province, has more than 20 million people. The city faces problems like weak building rules, illegal construction, and old infrastructure.
Experts say poor construction and weak safety checks are major reasons behind such accidents.
Investigation Continues
Authorities have sealed the area and started collecting evidence. Gas lines in the neighborhood are also being inspected.
The tragedy has once again raised serious questions about building safety and gas supply systems in Karachi. Families are mourning their loved ones during Ramadan as officials continue their investigation.
Laura Caplin was born and raised in the busy city of Oakville. As a journalist, Laura has contributed to many online publications including the Financial Post and Huff Post Canada. In regards to academics, Laura earned a degree in business from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay and an master’s degree from Brook. Laura follows the money and covers all aspects of state and federal economy.here at White Pine Tribune.
