Gas Explosion in Karachi Kills 16, Residential Building Partly Collapses

At least 16 people were killed and several others injured after a powerful gas explosion ripped through a residential apartment building in Karachi, triggering a partial collapse and trapping residents beneath debris, officials said on Thursday.

The blast occurred in the densely populated Soldier Bazaar locality of the city during the early morning hours. Authorities said the explosion originated on the first floor of a three-storey building and was strong enough to bring down a significant portion of the structure. Many residents were inside their homes at the time, with families gathered for pre-dawn meal preparations during the holy month of Ramadan.

Emergency services rushed to the scene soon after the explosion was reported. Rescue workers combed through piles of broken concrete and twisted metal, pulling survivors and victims from the rubble. The death toll, initially reported as lower, rose to 16 after additional bodies were recovered during the search operation. Officials indicated that women and children were among those killed, and several injured individuals were shifted to nearby hospitals, some in critical condition.

Police and local authorities said preliminary assessments suggest the explosion may have been caused by a gas leak, possibly linked to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders commonly used in households facing supply shortages. However, a detailed investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the blast and whether any negligence contributed to the tragedy.

Senior government officials expressed grief over the loss of life and directed relevant departments to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured. Authorities also assured that the affected families would receive support and compensation as per government policy. Rescue teams continued to search the site to ensure no one remained trapped under the debris.

The incident has renewed concerns about building safety standards and the handling of gas connections in Pakistan’s largest city. Karachi, home to millions, has witnessed several similar accidents in recent years, often linked to faulty gas lines, poor maintenance or inadequate enforcement of construction regulations. Residents of the area described scenes of panic and chaos following the explosion, with neighbours rushing to assist in rescue efforts before emergency responders arrived. The sound of the blast reportedly reverberated across nearby streets, prompting fears of a larger disaster.