Gas explosion kills 13 in Pakistan’s Karachi, collapsing building
A gas explosion occurred in a residential building in Karachi, Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 individuals, including women and children.
A gas explosion tore through an apartment building in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest port city, on Thursday, killing at least 16 people, including women and children, and injuring several others after part of the structure collapsed, police and rescue officials said. The explosion occurred in a residential neighbourhood during the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, as residents prepared a pre-dawn meal, according to local police chief Rizwan Patel. Rescue teams were still removing rubble to search for survivors trapped under the debris, and the operation remained ongoing.
Most houses and apartment buildings in Karachi rely on natural gas for cooking, but inconsistent supply and low pressure force many households to use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders as a backup, increasing the risk of leaks and explosions. The blast occurred amid these conditions, raising concerns about safety standards in residential areas.
In July of the previous year, a gas explosion at a home in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, killed eight people, including the bride and groom, after a wedding reception. Authorities attributed that blast to a gas leak during the celebration.
The explosion occurred in a residential neighbourhood during the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, as residents prepared a pre-dawn meal, according to local police chief Rizwan Patel.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief over the Karachi explosion, offering condolences to the victims’ families. He ordered authorities to ensure the injured received the best possible care and instructed officials to complete rescue efforts without delay.
Zardari also called on the Sindh provincial government to strictly enforce building regulations in the aftermath of the disaster. He urged authorities to inspect gas cylinders, strengthen safety checks, and launch a comprehensive investigation to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Rescue workers carried bodies recovered from the rubble following the explosion, which left the apartment building partially collapsed. The incident highlighted ongoing risks associated with gas usage in densely populated urban areas.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
