Bodies have also been recovered from the building’s debris. PHOTO: EXPRESS
KARACHI:
At least 14 people, including a young girl, were killed and 14 others injured after a gas cylinder explosion caused the roof of a residential building to collapse in Karachi’s Gul Rana Colony in the Soldier Bazaar neighbourhood on early Thursday morning, rescue officials said.
The blast occurred near Street No. 05, close to Aga Khan School. Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after the incident, with ambulances and volunteers transporting the injured and deceased to Civil Hospital Karachi, where treatment is ongoing.
Eyewitnesses said the explosion was so intense that nearby buildings also shook, spreading panic in the area.
ASP Jamshed Nasir said, “The incident occurred at 4:15am. The building was constructed on girders. The cause of the collapse is being investigated. The gas blast occurred on the first floor.”
Read: 25 killed, over 240 injured in LPG cylinder blasts across Punjab
Chief Operating Officer Dr Abid said, “The explosion took place at Sehri time. The blast was caused by gas leakage. Around 14 bodies have been recovered and 14 people were injured. Small rooms had been built on the ground plus two floors. Due to very limited space, rescuers are facing difficulties in the operation. This is not a legal building; it consists of single-room units. Nearby buildings were also damaged when it collapsed.”
According to Chhipa sources, the deceased include Talha, 60-year-old Riaz, 10-year-old Sajjad, 44-year-old Zeenat, and 17-year-old Afshan. Rescue authorities said children and women were among the victims.
Officials added that one to two individuals may still be trapped beneath the rubble as search operations continue. The cause of the explosion is under investigation.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
