A catastrophic explosion at a firecracker warehouse on MA Jinnah Road in Karachi has resulted in at least two fatalities and 34 injuries. The blast, which occurred on Thursday, triggered intense fires, shattered windows in surrounding buildings, and caused significant damage to vehicles in the vicinity. Authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the incident, which involved highly flammable materials, including oxygen cylinders.
On Thursday, a powerful explosion rocked a firecracker warehouse located near medical equipment shops on MA Jinnah Road, Karachi, resulting in tragic loss and extensive damage. At least two people were killed, and 34 others were injured, with several sustaining severe burns and other critical injuries. The explosion’s sheer force also shattered windows of nearby buildings and sent glass flying into the street, injuring bystanders.
Source: Reuters
Police and Rangers swiftly cordoned off the area to ensure public safety. The blast triggered intermittent explosions throughout the day, and emergency teams battled the flames for hours, with 10 fire tenders deployed in the operation. Rescue efforts were hampered by the ongoing risk of further explosions from the volatile materials inside the warehouse.
The building, which housed both a firecracker storage unit and medical equipment stores, was the site of a dangerous accumulation of flammable substances. According to witnesses and rescue personnel, the blast was caused by a cylinder explosion, which triggered the fire and further blasts. “There is an entire explosives-making factory inside. At the back of the building, they have a warehouse of firecrackers,” said a rescue worker.
The injured were quickly rushed to nearby hospitals, with 20 people taken to Jinnah Hospital and 14 others to Civil Hospital. Four victims remain in critical condition. Local authorities confirmed that the warehouse was owned by two brothers, who were also injured in the explosion. The investigation is ongoing to determine if proper permits were granted for storing explosive materials in such a densely populated area.
Source: Arab News
Sindh’s Home Minister, Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, expressed surprise over the continued presence of explosive materials in city areas despite recent legislation. Lanjar stated that two months ago, control over explosives-related matters was shifted to the federal government, and proper laws had been enacted. He confirmed that the Counter-Terrorism Department had previously taken action against the same individuals for violating storage regulations. Authorities are now determining whether the warehouse’s explosive materials were legally stored or if it was an unlawful decision by the owner.
The incident has raised serious concerns about public safety in urban areas and the risks posed by hazardous materials being stored in proximity to residential and commercial spaces.
