KARACHI: A residential building collapsed in Karachi on Thursday after a suspected gas explosion, killing at least 16 people and injuring 13 others, rescue officials said.
The incident occurred in the densely populated Soldier Bazaar area of the southern port city. Authorities said the dead included four children, seven women and five men. The injured comprised five children, three women and five men.
Rescue teams launched an immediate search-and-rescue operation after the collapse.
“During a timely and professional operation, Rescue 1122 pulled 13 injured people from under the rubble and recovered 16 bodies,” said Hassan Khan, spokesperson for Rescue 1122 Sindh.
Emergency workers provided first aid at the scene and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals. Urban search-and-rescue teams, firefighters and disaster response vehicles took part in the operation, which continued for several hours.
Provincial Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon directed authorities to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured. He also urged residents to exercise caution when using gas and to report suspected leaks immediately.
Also Read: Over 100 Rescued After Fire Erupts in Karachi Residential Building
Deadly incidents linked to gas leaks and unsafe infrastructure frequently occur in Karachi’s crowded low-income neighborhoods. Many households rely on gas cylinders and informal utility connections, often with limited safety enforcement.
The collapse comes weeks after a major fire at Gul Plaza shopping mall in Karachi killed more than 70 people, raising fresh concerns about building safety and regulatory oversight in Pakistan’s largest city.
