Karachi, February 19: The death toll from a blast in a residential building in Karachi has risen to 16. Local media reports, citing police, rescue teams, and hospitals, confirmed this tragic update.
The incident occurred in a house located in Gul Rana Colony, Soldier Bazaar. A spokesperson for the East District Police stated that the explosion was caused by a gas cylinder leak. Emergency services have rescued several individuals from the debris and transported them to hospitals for treatment.
According to Geo News, the fatalities include six women and four children.
Renowned media outlet Dawn reported that Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Jamshed Ashar indicated the explosion happened around 4:15 AM during Sehri, with the blast originating from the first floor of the building.
In a recent update, Sindh Rescue 1122 confirmed that the death toll has reached 16, with 14 others injured. Dr. Mohammad Sabir Memon, Director of the Trauma Center at the Civil Hospital, stated that 13 bodies were brought to their facility.
Rescue 1122 mentioned that the search and rescue operation is ongoing, with an urban search and rescue team and a disaster response vehicle on-site.
The building collapsed due to the cylinder explosion, and the densely populated area has posed significant challenges for the administration.
Speaking to the media, Dr. Abid, Chief Operating Officer of Rescue 1122, noted that part of the building had collapsed. The small size of the rooms has complicated rescue efforts.
A senior rescue official remarked, “This was not a legal building; it was constructed by joining various rooms. Other nearby homes and structures have also suffered considerable damage.”
The police have cordoned off the area completely. Security measures have been tightened to keep the public away from the incident site.