KARACHI: A deadly explosion and subsequent fire at a warehouse near Karachi’s Taj Medical Complex on Thursday have resulted in at least one death and 34 injuries. Police and hospital officials confirmed the casualties after a massive blast occurred in the densely populated Saddar area, damaging the surrounding buildings.
Dr. Summaiya Syed, a police surgeon, reported that 20 of the injured were brought to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, including two in critical condition, while 14 others were taken to Civil Hospital Karachi. She later confirmed that a 16-year-old’s body was found in the warehouse’s lower levels. Rescue 1122 also confirmed the recovery of the body.
Rescue 1122 spokesperson Hassaanul Haseeb Khan stated that the fire began in a three-storey building, where families resided on the upper floors and a fireworks facility was located in the basement. The building’s raw material for firecracker production, including explosive substances, contributed to the severity of the explosion. Authorities suspect a short circuit ignited the fire.
The explosion caused significant damage to the building, knocking down concrete blocks onto nearby vehicles and shattering windows in surrounding buildings. Firefighters, struggling with the frequent reigniting of the blaze due to explosive material, were able to control about 60-70% of the fire. Twelve fire tenders from KMC and Rescue 1122 were deployed to fight the fire.
Counter-Terrorism Department official Raja Umer Khattab confirmed the presence of explosive material at the site, calling the incident “highly dangerous” as the facility was located in a residential area. He stated that the building did not meet the safety standards for storing such hazardous material and described the situation as a grave risk to public safety.
Sindh’s Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah instructed authorities to control the blaze immediately and provide medical assistance to the victims. He also emphasized that such hazardous material should not be stored in populated areas. The Sindh Home Minister, Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, directed police to send reinforcements to the site and ensure a thorough investigation into the incident. Authorities are looking into whether the facility had the necessary licenses to store fireworks material.
This incident highlights the persistent issue of poor safety regulations and infrastructure in Pakistan, with a history of fires in poorly maintained buildings and facilities.
