At least 13 people were killed and 14 others injured after a gas compressor explosion triggered a partial building collapse in Karachi’s Soldier Bazaar area early Thursday morning, officials confirmed.
The blast occurred at the time of Sehri on the first day of Ramadan, when residents were preparing pre-dawn meals. Witnesses said the explosion was so intense that it shook nearby buildings and caused panic in the densely populated neighborhood.
According to rescue authorities, the explosion took place inside a two-storey residential building in Soldier Bazaar, leading to the collapse of a significant portion of the structure.
Officials from Rescue 1122 said emergency teams reached the site immediately after receiving reports and launched a search and rescue operation to retrieve people trapped under the rubble. However, operations have been hampered by the area’s narrow streets, making it difficult for heavy machinery to access the site.
All injured victims were shifted to Civil Hospital Karachi for medical treatment.
A spokesperson for Rescue 1122 confirmed that the explosion was caused by a gas compressor pump installed inside the building. Authorities clarified that the incident was not the result of a gas leakage or a cylinder blast.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the explosion occurred on the ground floor, which led to the structural failure of the upper portion of the building.
Deputy Commissioner East Nasrullah Abbasi said the deceased included a young girl and three women. Two of the victims have been identified as 10-year-old Nazia and 60-year-old Riaz.
Rescue officials warned that one to two individuals may still be trapped beneath the debris, and search operations are ongoing.
The incident comes amid reports from residents across Karachi about persistent gas shortages, including during Sehri, despite recent government assurances of uninterrupted supply during Ramadan.
Authorities said a detailed investigation has been launched to determine the exact circumstances of the explosion, while rescue teams continue efforts to clear the rubble and ensure no further casualties remain trapped.
