KARACHI: A powerful explosion on MA Jinnah Road near Sea Breeze Plaza resulted in injuries to at least 34 individuals and caused significant damage to surrounding property. The blast originated from a shop located adjacent to a firecracker storage facility, igniting a large fire and causing multiple subsequent explosions.
The force of the explosion shattered shop windows, sending shards of glass flying into bystanders and causing injuries. Heavy smoke billowed from the scene, drifting towards the Lines Area, as emergency services rushed to contain the blaze.The affected building, a ground-plus-two structure, housed various medical equipment stores along with the firecracker warehouse. Authorities emphasized the urgent removal of flammable substances, including oxygen cylinders, to prevent a larger disaster.
Law enforcement and paramilitary personnel quickly cordoned off the area to facilitate rescue efforts and prevent further casualties. MA Jinnah Road was sealed off from both directions to keep the public away from the danger zone.Dr. Summaiya Syed Tariq, the police surgeon, confirmed that 34 individuals had been injured in the incident. Of these, 20 victims were taken to Jinnah Hospital while 14 others were admitted to Civil Hospital. Four of the injured remain in critical condition, with some suffering severe burns.
An emergency official at Jinnah Hospital reported that one of the patients was in a life-threatening state and required immediate surgery. Several injuries were caused by glass shrapnel from shattered windows, while others sustained burns from the explosion.DIG South told Geo News that the blast’s impact caused extensive damage, with shop windows shattered and debris scattered across the area. Many of the injured had sustained injuries from flying glass.
Firefighting teams responded promptly, deploying ten fire tenders to extinguish the flames. After prolonged efforts, the blaze was brought under control, and cooling operations are underway to prevent reignition. The firefighting operation was temporarily hampered by ongoing explosions within the warehouse.
According to police officials, the warehouse was owned by two brothers, who also sustained injuries in the blast. An initial statement from one of the owners has been recorded and will be part of the ongoing investigation.Eyewitnesses recounted chaotic scenes, with many describing the severity of the explosion. One bystander said, “We saw people bleeding; it was an enormous explosion.
