Karachi Gas Explosion Claims 16 Lives as Residential Building Collapses

• Gas explosion kills 16 in Karachi.
• Building collapse traps residents under debris.
• Rescue teams continue search operations.

A powerful gas explosion ripped through a residential apartment building in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest port city, killing at least 16 people and injuring several others. The blast caused a partial collapse of the structure, trapping residents under heavy debris and triggering an intense rescue operation.

The incident occurred in a densely populated neighbourhood of Karachi in the early hours of Thursday, just as families were preparing the pre dawn meal on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan. According to local police officials, the explosion was sudden and devastating, leaving little time for residents to escape.

Rescue workers and emergency teams rushed to the site and began clearing rubble by hand and with heavy machinery. Officials confirmed that search operations are still ongoing, as there are fears that more people may be trapped beneath the collapsed sections of the building.

Authorities believe the blast may be linked to gas leakage. In Karachi and many parts of Pakistan, households rely heavily on natural gas for cooking. Frequent supply disruptions often push residents to use liquefied petroleum gas cylinders, which increases the risk of leaks and accidental explosions.

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and conveyed condolences to the families of the victims. He directed officials to ensure proper medical care for the injured and ordered rescue efforts to continue without delay.

The President also called for a thorough investigation into the incident and urged the Sindh government to strengthen safety inspections, enforce building regulations strictly and review the use of gas cylinders to prevent such tragic accidents in the future.