KARACHI: A powerful gas explosion in Karachi’s Soldier Bazaar area early Thursday morning claimed the lives of nine people and left more than ten others injured.
The blast occurred at around 4:00 a.m. inside a three-storey residential building, reportedly due to a gas leak. The explosion caused a portion of the structure to collapse, trapping residents under the rubble.
Police quickly cordoned off the area after receiving reports of the incident, while rescue teams began search and recovery operations. Officials said the building had one room on each floor, and the narrow streets surrounding it made rescue efforts more challenging.
Rescue authorities confirmed that nine bodies have been recovered so far, including a 10-year-old girl identified as Nazia. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
Director General Rescue 1122 Brigadier Wajid told media that the explosion occurred on the first floor of the building. He said the blast was likely caused by a gas cylinder or a gas suction machine.
He added that more people could still be trapped beneath the debris, and rescue operations are continuing using specialized equipment to cut through metal and clear the rubble.
