At least 14 people have died and 14 others injured following a gas explosion in a residential building in Soldier Bazaar, Karachi, early Thursday morning.
Rescue teams are continuing operations amid challenging conditions caused by the area’s narrow streets.
The explosion occurred around 4 am on the first floor of a residential building in Soldier Bazaar. Initial reports indicate the blast was caused by a gas cylinder or a gas extraction machine. The force of the explosion led to the collapse of the building’s roof, trapping residents under debris.
Deputy Commissioner East Nasrullah Abbasi confirmed that the building was two-storeyed and partially collapsed due to the intensity of the blast. Authorities fear that two more individuals may still be buried under the rubble.
Rescue operations
Rescue agencies rushed to the scene immediately after the explosion. Officials said that the narrow streets of Soldier Bazaar are slowing down operations and creating challenges for heavy machinery to access the site.
Ten bodies have been recovered so far and shifted to nearby hospitals. Twelve injured individuals are receiving treatment, with authorities continuing to search for any other victims who may be trapped.
