Karachi, Pakistan : At least 16 people, including women and children, were killed after a powerful gas explosion tore through a residential apartment building in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest port city, early Thursday morning, causing part of the structure to collapse.
The gas explosion struck as families were preparing their pre-dawn meal to break their fast on the first day of Ramadan, a moment usually marked by quiet reflection and togetherness. Instead, residents in the neighborhood were jolted awake by a devastating explosion.
According to Rizwan Patel, a local police chief, the incident occurred in a residential area of Sindh province’s capital. Rescue workers rushed to the site immediately, pulling victims from the rubble. Authorities initially confirmed 13 deaths, but the toll rose to 16 after three more bodies were recovered. Several others sustained injuries, though officials have not released detailed information about their conditions.
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President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He instructed authorities to provide the injured with the best possible medical care and called for the swift completion of rescue operations. The president also urged the Sindh provincial government to strictly enforce building regulations, inspect gas cylinder safety, and conduct a thorough investigation to prevent similar disasters in the future.
Natural gas is widely used for cooking in Karachi, but due to frequent pressure shortages, many households supplement their supply with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, a practice that has previously raised safety concerns.
Incident Evokes Memories of Deadly Islamabad Gas explosion During Wedding in July
The gas explosion has also revived painful memories of a similar incident in Islamabad in July, where a gas explosion during a wedding celebration claimed eight lives, including the bride and groom.
Authorities continue to comb through the debris, searching for survivors, while the community reels from the tragic loss of life. This incident highlights urgent concerns over safety measures, gas cylinder regulations, and building inspections across Pakistan.