According to police, around 4 AM in Karachi’s Soldier Bazaar area, a gas leak caused an explosion in a building, resulting in part of the structure collapsing. Upon receiving information about the incident, police cordoned off the area, tightened security, and rescue agencies initiated a search operation.
Rescue officials state that the building is three stories high with one room per floor, and narrow alleys are causing difficulties in the rescue operation.
Rescue officials say relief efforts are ongoing at the site, and so far 9 bodies have been recovered, including a 10-year-old girl identified as Nazia, while more than 10 injured have been shifted to hospitals for medical aid.
DG Rescue 1122 Brigade Brigadier Wajid told Geo News that the gas explosion occurred on the first floor of the building, caused by a gas cylinder or gas extraction machine, and so far 7 bodies have been recovered, including those of a woman and a child.
The DG said there is a fear of more people being trapped under the rubble, for which the rescue operation continues; we have special equipment for small buildings, and with the help of the equipment, iron is being cut to remove the debris.
