KARACHI — At least 13 people have been killed and 14 others injured after a catastrophic gas explosion caused a section of a three-storey residential building to collapse in Soldier Bazaar No. 3, Karachi, on Wednesday night. Among the deceased are four children and three women, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
Incident Overview
According to preliminary reports, the explosion originated on the ground floor of the building, immediately trapping multiple residents under the rubble. Rescue teams were swiftly deployed to the scene, initiating a round-the-clock search and recovery operation. All necessary equipment, including cranes, cutting tools, and sniffer devices, were mobilised to assist in extracting survivors from the debris.
The police suspect that a gas leakage, possibly linked to a faulty suction machine, triggered the blast. However, investigators emphasise that the exact cause remains under review and will only be determined after a detailed forensic examination.
Challenges in Rescue Efforts
Officials highlighted that the narrow roads and limited access surrounding the building significantly hampered rescue operations. Darkness and the unstable condition of the collapsed structure posed additional risks to emergency personnel, making the operation extremely hazardous. Despite these obstacles, teams worked tirelessly through the night to locate survivors and transport the injured to nearby hospitals.
Preliminary Incident Data
| Information Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Fatalities | 13 |
| Injured | 14 |
| Children among fatalities | 4 |
| Women among fatalities | 3 |
| Number of storeys | 3 |
| Location | Soldier Bazaar No. 3, Karachi |
| Probable cause | Gas leakage (suction machine malfunction) |
Local Response
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a massive explosion, followed by cries of people trapped under the debris. Neighbours rushed to assist while local authorities and emergency services quickly organised the evacuation and hospitalisation of the injured.
The incident has sparked concern over safety standards in Pakistan’s densely populated residential areas, particularly regarding gas installations and emergency preparedness. Government officials have pledged to enforce stricter safety regulations for gas usage and residential building management to prevent similar disasters in the future.
This tragedy is a stark reminder of previous gas-related incidents in Pakistan and underscores the ongoing need for robust safety protocols. While many of the injured are now reported to be in stable condition, doctors have warned that several individuals remain in critical condition and require intensive care.
Authorities continue their investigation, emphasising both immediate rescue efforts and the long-term imperative to strengthen safety measures across urban residential zones.
