Death toll rises to 16 in Karachi residential building explosion

At least 16 people, including four children and three women, were killed and 13 others got injured on Thursday following a cylinder explosion in a three-storey residential building in Soldier Bazaar No 3.

The deceased and injured were shifted to Civil Hospital for medico-legal formalities and treatment, respectively.

“Upon receiving the report at the Central Command and Control Rescue 1122, an Urban Search and Rescue team, Fire and Rescue teams, ambulances, and disaster response vehicles were immediately dispatched to the scene,“ stated the spokesperson for Rescue 1122 Sindh.

In operation by Rescue 1122, 14 injured were rescued from the debris, while 16 bodies were also recovered, the spokesperson added.

READ MORE: At least 8 dead after building collapses in Karachi’s Lyari area

The deceased include Narjis, daughter of Qambar (2 years); Muhammad Riaz, son of Muhammad Usman (60 years); Nazia, daughter of Wakia (10 years); Benazir, daughter of Wakia (15 years); Qambar Ali, son of Baloch Khan (27 years); Yasmeen, wife of Qambar Ali (21 years); Sonu, daughter of Jabbar (6 years); Waseem, son of Nadeem (5 years); Nadeem, son of Orus (28 years); Sajjad, son of Shahid (12 years); Abbas, son of Shahid (18 years); Zain-un-Nisa, wife of Shahid (35 years); Aqsa, daughter of Anwar Ali (15 years); Afsha (14 years); Anisha (19 years); and Rukhsar (18 years).

As per Aaj News, Rescue 1122 Director General Brigadier Wajid said that initial information suggested the explosion occurred on the first floor of the building.

“The blast was likely caused by a gas cylinder or a gas suction machine. An investigation is going on to determine the exact reason,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister took notice of the explosion and directed the relevant authorities to immediately rescue people trapped under the debris.

The CM alsoinstructed that all possible assistance be extended to the affected families.

He also ordered the Commissioner of Karachi to conduct an investigation.

President, PM express sorrow

President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the collapse of the building. The President extended his sympathies to the families of the deceased and issued directives to provide the best possible medical facilities to the injured. He also instructed that the rescue operation be conducted swiftly and effectively.

Furthermore, the president directed the Sindh government to ensure rigorous building inspections, gas cylinder safety, and strict implementation of building codes. He emphasised that the provincial government must conduct a thorough inquiry into every aspect of the incident to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also expressed his grief over the loss of precious lives in the Soldier Bazaar building collapse. The prime minister offered prayers for the high ranks of the deceased and extended his condolences to the bereaved families. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and directed that every possible medical assistance be provided to them.