Gas Leak Explosion Kills Nine, Injures 12 in Karachi’s Soldier Bazaar
By Bilal Haider :
At least nine people lost their lives and 12 others were injured after a suspected gas leak triggered a powerful explosion in a three-storey residential building in Soldier Bazaar No 3, rescue officials confirmed on Thursday.
The blast took place on the first floor late Wednesday night, leading to a partial collapse of the structure. Emergency responders said teams were deployed immediately and all available resources were being utilised to search for survivors beneath the rubble.
According to police, preliminary findings indicate the explosion may have been caused by a gas leak, possibly from a cylinder or a gas suction device. Authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine the exact source.
Rescue workers pulled several victims from the debris, including a 10-year-old girl, Nazia, and a 60-year-old man, Mohammad Riaz, who were among those killed. The body of a woman was also recovered, while efforts to identify another deceased victim continued.
A 14-year-old girl was rescued with injuries, and several children were among those shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Officials believe two individuals may still be trapped under the collapsed portion of the building. Narrow streets surrounding the area have complicated rescue operations, slowing the movement of heavy equipment.
Police have sealed off the neighbourhood and heightened security as search and recovery efforts remain underway.
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