KARACHI: At least 15 people lost their lives and 14 others were injured after a gas cylinder explosion triggered a roof collapse in Karachi’s Rana Colony area of Soldier Bazaar on Wednesday night.
The blast occurred on the first floor of a residential building near Aga Khan School, close to Street No. 5 in Rana Colony. The force of the explosion caused a portion of the structure to cave in, trapping several residents beneath the rubble.
Rescue teams rushed to the scene shortly after the incident was reported. Ambulances and volunteers from the Edhi Foundation took part in relief efforts, transporting the injured to Civil Hospital for treatment.
According to rescue officials, the deceased include a 10-year-old girl, Nazia, and a 60-year-old man, Mohammad Riaz. The body of a woman was also recovered from the debris, while authorities are working to confirm the identity of another victim.
A 14-year-old girl was successfully pulled out alive from under the collapsed structure and shifted to the hospital. Officials believe that at least two more individuals may still be trapped beneath the rubble.
Rescue operations have been hampered by the narrow streets surrounding the building, making it difficult for emergency vehicles and heavy equipment to access the site.
Authorities and relief agencies remain present at the location, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
Residents said the blast was so powerful that it shook nearby buildings, causing widespread panic throughout the neighborhood.
