KARACHI (MNN); At least 16 people lost their lives and more than 14 others were injured when a powerful gas cylinder explosion tore through a residential building in Gul Rana Colony, located in Karachi’s Soldier Bazaar area, on Thursday.
The force of the blast caused the roof of the three-storey structure to collapse, trapping several residents beneath the rubble. Rescue officials confirmed that the building comprised one room on each floor and that a significant portion of it was completely destroyed, complicating rescue efforts.
Authorities said the narrow streets of the locality created challenges in transporting heavy machinery to the site. Despite these obstacles, rescue teams continued operations without pause.
According to rescue sources, 10 bodies — including a woman and a 10-year-old girl identified as Nazia — were recovered from the debris in the initial phase of the operation. More than 14 injured individuals were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Rescue workers also succeeded in pulling a young girl alive from the rubble and immediately provided her with emergency medical care.
Speaking to the media, Rescue 1122 Director General Brigadier Wajid stated that preliminary findings indicated the explosion occurred on the building’s first floor. He said the blast was likely caused by a gas cylinder or a gas suction machine, though investigations are underway to determine the exact cause.
He added that fears remain that more residents could still be trapped under the debris, as rescue teams race against time using specialised equipment to carefully cut through twisted iron bars and remove heavy rubble without endangering possible survivors.
Residents reported that the explosion was so intense it reverberated throughout the neighbourhood, triggering panic among locals. Police and emergency personnel continue search and rescue operations.
