At least 13 people, including women and children, lost their lives, and 13 others sustained injuries in Karachi, Pakistan, due to a suspected gas explosion that led to the collapse of a residential building in the Soldier Bazaar area. The incident occurred at a house in Gul Raza Colony, with the injured and deceased individuals being rushed to Civil Hospital, as reported by local media.
A District East police spokesperson mentioned that the explosion was likely caused by a gas leak, resulting in a section of the building collapsing. Rescue 1122 is actively engaged in search and rescue efforts, with an urban search and rescue team and a disaster response vehicle deployed at the scene. Law enforcement personnel and rescue teams promptly responded upon receiving information about the incident.
Authorities have cordoned off the area, and rescue operations are in progress. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has taken cognizance of the situation, instructing relevant agencies to rescue those trapped under the debris and provide necessary medical aid to the injured. The Chief Minister has also ordered an investigation into the incident’s cause.
In a separate incident on January 17, a devastating fire erupted at a shopping mall in Karachi, claiming the lives of at least 80 individuals, with several still missing. The fire, which started at the Gul Plaza shopping center on Muhammad Ali Jinnah Road, rapidly spread through the multi-story commercial building, causing significant casualties and extensive damage.
