16 killed in explosion due to suspected gas leakage in Pak’s Karachi

A devastating gas cylinder explosion in a three‑storey residential building in Soldier Bazaar No 3’s Gul Rana Colony has claimed at least 16 lives, including children and women, and injured 14 others, authorities confirmed Thursday. The blast struck the structure’s first floor around 4:30 am during sehri on the first day of Ramzan, triggering a partial building collapse that trapped residents under debris.

Emergency services immediately deployed Rescue 1122 urban search and rescue units, fire‑and‑rescue teams, ambulances and disaster response vehicles to the scene. Narrow streets in the densely populated area hampered the movement of heavy machinery but workers persevered through the rubble to recover victims. Among the dead were a 10‑year‑old girl, Nazia, and a 60‑year‑old man, identified by officials, while a 14‑year‑old girl was pulled alive but injured. All casualties were taken to Civil Hospital Karachi for treatment and medico‑legal procedures.

Authorities said the explosion was likely caused by a gas cylinder or suction machine leak , with a detailed investigation — including chemical analysis — underway to determine the exact cause. Police cordoned off the area and cleared rubble after completing the search operation , confirming no more survivors were believed to be trapped.

President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow, announced full medical care for the injured, and urged strict enforcement of gas and building safety standards. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah ordered comprehensive support for affected families and directed the Karachi commissioner to investigate compliance with construction regulations.

Local residents and volunteers, including teams from the Edhi Foundation , assisted rescue efforts and raised long‑standing concerns over illegal construction, ageing infrastructure and lax safety regulation in the area. Experts have called for regular safety inspections and public awareness campaigns to prevent future disasters.

This tragedy follows other recent disasters in Karachi and highlights chronic urban safety challenges in Pakistan’s largest city.