16 killed as gas cylinder blast triggers building collapse in Karachi

At least 16 people were killed and several others injured after a gas cylinder explosion tore through an apartment building in Karachi on Thursday, causing a partial collapse of the structure. The blast occurred in a residential area of Pakistan’s largest port city during preparations for the pre-dawn meal on the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Rescue teams continued clearing debris hours after the incident in search of possible survivors.

Police officials said the death toll rose from an initial 13 to 16 after three more bodies were recovered from the rubble. Among the victims were women and children. Emergency responders rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, while heavy machinery was deployed to assist in rescue operations.

Authorities confirmed that the explosion happened as residents were preparing their pre-dawn meal. The force of the blast caused significant structural damage, leading to the collapse of part of the building. Officials said efforts were ongoing to ensure that no one remained trapped beneath the debris.

Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He directed authorities to provide the best possible medical care to the injured, expedite rescue operations, enforce building codes and conduct a thorough investigation into the incident, including checks on gas cylinder safety.

Most homes and apartment buildings in Karachi, the capital of Sindh province, are supplied with natural gas for cooking. However, due to low gas pressure, many households also rely on liquefied petroleum gas cylinders. Similar incidents have occurred in the past, including a deadly gas explosion in Islamabad in July that claimed eight lives.