Karachi, February 19 – At least six people were killed after a gas explosion caused a partial building collapse in Karachi, Pakistan, local media reported on Thursday, citing officials.
The blast occurred at a house in the Gul Rana Colony area of Soldier Bazar, where a suspected gas leak is believed to have caused the explosion.
Following the incident, emergency teams rushed to the scene and began rescue operations. So far, 11 people have been rescued from the debris and taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Authorities said that rescue efforts continued for several hours as teams searched through the rubble for any remaining trapped residents.
The blast occurred on the first floor on Wednesday night, causing part of the building to collapse, according to rescue sources on the ground. They added that all available resources were being used in the search operation, according to leading media outlet Geo News.
The injured were taken to the Civil Hospital, where they received medical assistance.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over gas safety and poor infrastructure in several residential areas, according to leading daily Dawn.
Deputy Commissioner East Nasrullah Abbasi said that there were fears that two more individuals could still be trapped under the debris.
He added that the building was severely damaged in the cylinder explosion, leading to its collapse.
Authorities said that rescue efforts were continuing despite access challenges due to the congested locality.
Earlier on January 17, a massive fire broke out at a shopping mall in Karachi, claiming the lives of at least 80 people, and several remained missing.
The fire broke out at the Gul Plaza shopping centre on Muhammad Ali Jinnah Road, rapidly spreading through the multi-story commercial building, claiming several lives and injuring many, causing extensive damage.
