Karachi gas explosion triggers fire in high-rise residential building, four injured
- Two fire engines and a snorkel used in operation.
- Woman and young girl injured, shifted to hospital.
- IG Sindh orders immediate police response, evacuation.
KARACHI: A gas leak explosion sparked a major fire in a residential building near Hyderi in North Nazimabad early Saturday, affecting multiple flats on the 10th floor, officials said.
According to police and rescue officials, the explosion occurred inside a flat on the 10th floor. The blast damaged the roof of a flat on the ninth floor and also affected the building’s lift.
The fire spread to four flats on the 10th floor, prompting an immediate evacuation of the building. Police said the residential complex was cleared following the incident.
Rescue 1122 personnel entered the building to carry out rescue operations. Initially, a snorkel had not reached the scene, but later four fire tenders, one bowser and snorkel vehicles were deployed to control the blaze.
Authorities said electricity to the building was disconnected as a precaution.
Rescue officials confirmed that all residents were safely evacuated. Four people, including a woman and a girl, were injured in the incident.
Three of the injured were reported to be in critical condition and were shifted to the hospital.
After several hours of firefighting efforts, officials said the blaze had been brought under control and cooling operations were underway.
SSP Central Dr Imran Khan was present at the site, and the surrounding road was cleared for emergency operations.
Police and other relevant authorities have begun collecting evidence and conducting a search of the affected area to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
