KARACHI
As many as 16 people have been killed and 14 injured in gas cylinder explosion in a three-storey residential building in Karachi.
Blast took place at 4 am due to gas leakage in a building in Soldier Bazar Karachi. A part of the building collapsed due to explosion.
On information police cordoned off the area tightening the security.
Security agencies have started search operation.
Rescue authorities said the building is 3-storey and one eparate room is built on every floor. They are facing difficulties in Rescue operation due to narrow streets.
Rescue operation is underway on place of incident. 16 bodies have been pulled so far. They include 4 children and 6 women. Over 12 persons are injured and they have been shifted to hospital for medical aid.
According to rescue sources, a 10-year-old girl, identified as Nazia, and a 60-year-old Mohammad Riaz were among the dead.
Rescue officials said the body of a woman was also recovered from under the rubble, while identification of another victim was being ascertained.
They said a 14-year-old girl was pulled alive from under the debris and shifted to hospital. Two people are believed to be trapped under the debris, they aded.
Dr Farrukh Lanjar, DIG East, said initial information suggested the explosion was due to a gas leak.
Lanjar said the true nature of the explosion could only be determined after a chemical examination, adding that the incident would be investigated.
