KARACHI: A peaceful Sunday afternoon turned into a scene of horror when a powerful explosion ripped through a residential building, sending flames and panic through the upper floors. Within moments, smoke filled the air, families rushed out in fear, and tragedy struck.
A catastrophic gas cylinder explosion ignited a fierce blaze within a high-rise residential building near Hyderi in North Nazimabad on Sunday, claiming the life of a teenager and leaving four others seriously injured, rescue officials confirmed.
According to the Rescue spokesperson, the deceased has been identified as 15-year-old Burhan. His body was recovered from beneath the debris following the powerful blast.
The injured were identified as 30-year-old Fatima, 4-year-old Ansia, 70-year-old Tasneem, and 40-year-old Huneid, the spokesperson added.
Three of the victims were reported to be in critical condition and were immediately transferred to hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Rescue officials later confirmed that all injured individuals had been shifted to medical facilities and that the rescue operation had been successfully completed.
Police and rescue authorities stated that the explosion originated inside an apartment on the tenth floor. The magnitude of the blast caused structural damage to the roof of a ninth-floor flat and severely impaired the building’s lift system.
The resulting inferno rapidly engulfed four apartments on the tenth floor, triggering widespread panic and necessitating the immediate evacuation of the residential complex. Law enforcement officials ensured the building was completely cleared to prevent further casualties.
Rescue 1122 personnel entered the smoke-filled structure to conduct coordinated emergency operations. Although a snorkel unit was not initially present at the scene, four fire tenders, a water bowser, and snorkel vehicles were subsequently deployed to contain the flames.
As a precautionary measure, electricity supply to the building was disconnected to mitigate additional hazards. After several hours of intensive firefighting efforts, authorities announced that the blaze had been brought under control, and cooling operations were initiated to prevent any resurgence.
SSP Central Dr Imran Khan remained present at the site, overseeing operations, while surrounding roads were cleared to facilitate uninterrupted emergency response.
Police and other relevant authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation, collecting evidence and examining the affected premises to determine the precise cause of the explosion.
