At least 16 people, including several children, lost their lives and 14 others sustained injuries after a suspected gas leakage caused a massive explosion in a residential building in Karachi on Thursday morning.
According to police official Jamshed Asher, the explosion occurred around 4:30 am on the first floor of a building located in the Old Soldier Bazar area. The blast took place when residents were awake for Sehri, the pre-dawn meal observed during the holy month of Ramzan. The first day of Ramzan was being observed in Pakistan on the day of the incident.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the explosion was likely caused by a gas leakage. Authorities noted that due to persistent gas shortages in Pakistan’s largest city, many families—particularly in lower-income neighbourhoods—rely on liquid petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders for cooking at home, increasing the risk of such accidents.
Police surgeon Dr Samaiya Syed confirmed that 14 bodies were initially received from the blast site, while 14 injured individuals were admitted for treatment. Officials later confirmed the death toll had risen to at least 16. Among the deceased were at least nine children aged between two and 17 years. Seven children were also reported to be among the injured.
The explosion caused significant structural damage, leading to the partial collapse of the already dilapidated building. Rescue teams and firefighters rushed to the site to clear debris and search for survivors.
Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan stated that search operations were ongoing to determine if any additional victims were trapped under the rubble. Emergency responders continued combing through the debris hours after the explosion.
The incident marks the second major tragedy in Karachi within a short span. Last month, a devastating fire broke out in the basement of Gul Shopping Plaza in the Saddar area, killing at least 79 people and injuring many others.
