The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Pakistani media outlet Geo News reported that the death toll from a cylinder explosion in Karachi’s Soldier Bazaar area has risen to 16 as authorities began clearing debris from the site.
According to rescue officials, at least 16 people —
including four children and six women — were killed and 14 others injured when
a cylinder exploded in a three-story residential building in Soldier Bazaar No.
3. The blast occurred on the first floor late Wednesday night, causing part of
the structure to collapse.
Rescue sources said all available resources were deployed
for the search operation. Emergency teams pulled several victims from the
rubble during the rescue efforts.
Dr. Farrukh Lanjar, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) East,
said preliminary information indicated the explosion may have been caused by a
gas leak. He added that the exact cause would be determined following a
chemical examination and that a formal investigation was underway.
Lanjar said authorities were assessing whether the building
complied with legal requirements. He stated that action would be taken against
those found responsible once the inquiry is completed.
Rescue officials said a 10-year-old girl, identified as
Nazia, and a 60-year-old man, Mohammad Riaz, were among those killed. The
bodies of a 17-year-old girl, a 19-year-old girl and an 18-year-old woman were
also recovered from the debris. Identification of at least one victim was still
in progress.
Officials said a 14-year-old girl was rescued with injuries,
and several wounded individuals, including children, were transferred to
hospitals for treatment.
Authorities said the search operation at the building had
concluded and debris removal had commenced. Police sealed off the area and
tightened security as operations continued.
