At least 13 people, including four children and three women, were killed and 14 others injured after a cylinder explosion in a three-storey residential building in Soldier Bazaar No 3, Karachi, rescue officials confirmed on Thursday.
The explosion took place on the first floor late Wednesday night. The impact of the blast caused a portion of the building to collapse, trapping several residents under the debris. Rescue teams reached the site immediately and began a large-scale search operation using all available resources.
Police officials said early findings suggest that the explosion was caused by a gas leak, possibly from a cylinder or a gas suction machine. A detailed investigation is underway to confirm the exact cause.
Rescue workers pulled multiple victims from the rubble during the operation. Among those killed were a 10-year-old girl named Nazia and a 60-year-old man identified as Mohammad Riaz. The body of a 17-year-old girl was also recovered. A woman’s body was found at the scene, while authorities are working to confirm the identity of another victim.
A 14-year-old girl was rescued in an injured condition and shifted to hospital along with other wounded individuals. Several children are among the injured and are receiving medical treatment.
Rescue officials believe that two more people may still be trapped under the debris. However, narrow streets around the building are making it difficult for heavy machinery and emergency vehicles to access the area, slowing down the operation.
Police have sealed off the area and increased security as rescue efforts continue. Authorities have urged residents to stay away from the site to allow emergency teams to carry out their work safely.
