KARACHI: A gas cylinder explosion in a 10th-floor flat of a North Nazimabad residential building on Sunday killed a teenage boy and injured five others, officials said.
The blast triggered a fire that damaged surrounding flats and caused the collapse of the building’s lift, while the roof of the ninth floor also sustained damage. Falling debris impacted parked vehicles below. Deputy Commissioner Central Taha Saleem confirmed all residents were safely evacuated.
The deceased, 15-year-old Burhan, was recovered from the debris. Among the five injured were a woman and a child, three of whom were in critical condition and moved to a nearby hospital.
Firefighting operations involved four fire tenders, a water bowser, and two snorkels. Electricity to the building was disconnected as a precaution, and cooling operations continued after the main blaze was brought under control. Chief Fire Officer and rescue teams ensured residents were evacuated safely.
IG Sindh Javed Alam Odho instructed police to secure the site, assist residents, and support evidence collection. Sindh Building Control Authority teams inspected the structure for damage. Initial reports indicate a gas cylinder caused the explosion, with the bomb disposal squad assessing whether other factors were involved. Police are investigating the possibility of foul play.
The incident reflects a worrying trend in Karachi, where multiple fire and blast accidents have occurred in recent weeks. January alone saw 225 fire incidents causing fatalities and extensive damage. Recent tragedies include the Soldier Bazaar blast, which killed 16, and the Gul Plaza fire, which claimed 79 lives.
Authorities have urged stricter safety measures and faster emergency responses due to the prevalence of cylinder-related accidents and structural vulnerabilities.
