Tragedy struck in Pakistan’s bustling port city of Karachi when a gas leak sparked a massive explosion, felling part of a building in Soldier Bazaar’s Gul Rana Colony and leaving a trail of devastation. At least six people perished, with 11 others rescued from the wreckage and hospitalized in critical condition.
According to local reports, the blast originated on the first floor of a home late Wednesday evening, its thunderous roar echoing through the neighborhood. Rescue teams, including specialized units from Rescue 1122, arrived promptly despite logistical hurdles in the crowded locality. They utilized every available resource in an exhaustive search operation that lasted several hours.
Officials, including Deputy Commissioner Nasrullah Abbasi, warned of potential additional casualties, as fears mount over two people possibly still buried under the debris. The explosion not only demolished sections of the structure but also highlighted glaring safety lapses in gas cylinder usage within residential zones.
Compounding national anxieties, this incident follows closely on the heels of violent attacks in northwest Pakistan. In Bajaur, a suicide bombing at a checkpoint claimed 12 lives, including security forces and civilians, while earlier clashes in Balochistan’s Taftan near the Iran border saw a gas plant erupt, trapping over 100 workers.
As Karachi reels from the loss, emergency services urge residents to check gas appliances rigorously. The ongoing probes aim to prevent future calamities in a country grappling with frequent infrastructure mishaps and insurgent violence.