A devastating gas explosion on Wednesday night caused the partial collapse of a three-storey residential building in Soldier Bazaar No. 3, Karachi, claiming the lives of at least 13 people and injuring 14 others. Among the deceased were four children and three women, according to local authorities confirmed on Thursday.
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Incident Overview
Preliminary reports indicate that the explosion originated on the ground floor of the building, instantly trapping several residents beneath the rubble. Emergency response teams arrived at the scene immediately and continued rescue operations throughout the night. Cranes, cutting tools, and gas detection devices were deployed to ensure the safe extraction of any survivors from the debris.
Police officials have tentatively attributed the blast to a gas leakage, possibly caused by a malfunctioning suction machine. Investigators, however, have emphasised that a detailed forensic analysis is necessary to determine the definitive cause.
Challenges in Rescue Operations
Officials reported that narrow surrounding streets and limited access points significantly complicated the rescue efforts. Darkness and the unstable condition of the collapsed structure added further risk for first responders. Despite these obstacles, teams worked tirelessly through the night, transporting injured victims to nearby hospitals.
Preliminary Data
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total fatalities | 13 |
| Total injuries | 14 |
| Children deceased | 4 |
| Women deceased | 3 |
| Building floors | 3 |
| Location | Soldier Bazaar No. 3, Karachi |
| Probable cause | Gas leakage (suction machine fault) |
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses reported hearing the screams of people trapped under the debris immediately after the explosion. Neighbours rushed to assist, while local authorities and emergency services swiftly ensured that the injured were transported to hospitals for urgent medical care.
Safety and Future Precautions
This tragedy underscores the critical importance of safety standards and gas usage precautions in densely populated residential areas of Pakistan. Government officials have announced plans to strengthen regulatory oversight on gas safety and building management to prevent similar incidents.
Medical teams stated that many of the injured are in stable condition, though a few remain in serious condition requiring intensive care. Authorities have vowed to enhance both immediate rescue capabilities and long-term safety measures in high-risk areas.
The incident also serves as a grim reminder of previous gas explosions in Pakistan, highlighting the urgent need for structured safety initiatives to protect citizens in urban residential zones.