KARACHI
A gas cylinder explosion sparked a fire in a residential high-rise near Karachi’s Hyderi in North Nazimabad on Sunday, killing a 15 to 16-year-old boy and injuring five others, including a woman and a child, according to rescue and police officials. Rescue officials said the body of the teenager, identified as Burhan, was recovered from the debris, taking the death toll to one. Deputy Commissioner Central Taha Saleem, during a media briefing, said that five people were injured in the incident, of which three were reported to be in critical condition and were shifted to the hospital.
According to police and rescue officials, the explosion occurred inside a flat on the 10th floor. Rescue 1122 said the blast damaged the roof of a flat on the ninth floor and also damaged the building’s lift, while DC Saleem said the lift collapsed due to the blast. Officials said the blast damaged at least two flats, and the adjoining flat was also affected. The blaze further spread on the 10th floor, prompting an immediate evacuation of the building. Rescue officials confirmed all residents were safely evacuated, and police said the complex was cleared for emergency operations.
Firefighting was carried out with the help of four fire tenders, a water bowser and two snorkels, rescue officials said, adding that electricity to the building was disconnected as a precaution. The chief fire officer said three people, including a child and a woman, were rescued from the building as operations continued. Meanwhile, SSP Central Dr Muhammad Imran Khan, who was present at the site, said initial information suggests the blast was caused by a gas cylinder explosion.
