KARACHI: At least 15 people, including a young girl, lost their lives and 14 others sustained injuries after a gas cylinder explosion led to a partial building collapse in Rana Colony, Soldier Bazaar, on Wednesday night.
The explosion took place on the first floor of a residential building near Aga Khan School, Street No. 5, in Rana Colony. The powerful blast caused a section of the structure to cave in, trapping several residents under the debris.
Rescue teams rushed to the site shortly after the incident was reported. Ambulances and volunteers worked swiftly to transport the injured to Civil Hospital for medical treatment.
According to rescue officials, a 10-year-old girl and a 60-year-old man were among those killed. The body of a woman was also retrieved from the rubble, while authorities continue efforts to identify another victim.
Rescuers managed to pull a 14-year-old girl alive from beneath the debris and shifted her to hospital for treatment. Officials indicated that two individuals are still believed to be trapped under the collapsed structure.
The narrow streets surrounding the building have complicated rescue efforts, slowing the use of heavy machinery at the site.
Authorities and relief agencies remain present at the scene as investigations continue to determine the exact cause of the explosion. Witnesses reported that the blast was so intense that nearby buildings trembled, causing widespread panic in the neighborhood.
