Karachi: A 15-year-old boy died and four others sustained injuries after an explosion triggered a fire in a residential building in North Nazimabad during the early hours of Sunday, police and rescue officials said.
According to Rescue-1122 spokesperson Hassaan Ul Haseeb Khan, the explosion occurred at Sehri on the top floor of Bismillah Residency near Hyderi Market in Block-E. Residents reported that they heard the blast several miles away. As a result of the explosion, flames engulfed two flats, trapping occupants inside.
Rescue teams responded swiftly. Officials deployed four fire tenders and called a snorkel to control the blaze. Firefighters worked for hours to douse the flames and secure the structure. Meanwhile, police cordoned off the area and began collecting evidence. Authorities said they would determine the exact cause of the explosion after completing firefighting operations. However, initial assessments suggest a possible gas-related explosion.
An Edhi Foundation spokesperson confirmed that the injured included a 70-year-old man and a four-year-old girl. All victims suffered serious burn injuries. Ambulances transported them to the burns centre at Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi for urgent treatment.
Central District police stated that officers reached the site immediately after receiving reports of the blast and coordinated rescue operations. Furthermore, investigators continue to examine the debris to establish the cause.
Notably, the incident occurred days after a deadly gas explosion in Soldier Bazaar killed at least 15 people and injured 18 others when part of a residential building collapsed.
