KARACHI (Dunya News) – At least five people lost their lives and at least 34 others were injured after a powerful blast tore through a fireworks warehouse near Sea Breeze Plaza on MA Jinnah Road in Saddar, Karachi.
The explosion, followed by a fierce blaze, shattered windows in the surrounding area, injuring many with flying glass.
Firefighting efforts
Rescue teams rushed to the site and managed to contain the flames after hours of effort. At least ten fire tenders and a snorkel took part in the operation. Cooling measures are now underway, officials confirmed.
Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan said the detonation was extremely forceful, adding that two to three rooms were filled with explosive substances. He noted that efforts were made to prevent the remaining stock from igniting. Thick smoke hampered the work of rescue teams as more than ten fire engines battled the blaze.
SSP South Manzoor Ali stated that 34 people sustained injuries, most from glass shards. The wounded were transported by ambulance to Civil Hospital and Jinnah Hospital. According to Police Surgeon Dr Samia, two victims brought to Jinnah Hospital remain in critical condition.
DIG South Asad Raza confirmed that one body was recovered from the site, while another critically injured victim succumbed to wounds at Jinnah Hospital, raising the death toll to two.
Investigation launched
Authorities are now examining whether the warehouse was operating with a valid licence. DIG South said action would be taken if no licence was found. Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar sought a detailed report and directed that every possible measure be taken for the injured. He instructed that the inquiry include witness statements and forensic analysis of evidence from the site.
CTD official Raja Umar Khattab revealed that warehouses are only permitted to store up to 50kg of fireworks material, but this location had stocked far more. In earlier crackdowns, more than two tonnes of explosives had previously been seized from the same warehouse, he added. “It must be investigated who allowed such a facility to operate here, as this negligence can trigger a major tragedy,” he stressed.
Witness account
“We saw people bleeding; the explosion was massive. We helped some victims and then called the fire brigade, which arrived shortly after,” said one eyewitness.
Rescue worker Shahid said, “There is an entire explosives-making operation inside. At the back of the building, they also have a warehouse full of firecrackers.”
He added, “Among the injured is a 70-year-old whose leg bone is completely broken. The incident occurred due to a cylinder blast while explosives were being packed at the rear of the building.”
Victims identified
Authorities released a list of those injured and under treatment. Among those admitted at Civil Hospital are Waseem (45), Naveed Ahmed (40), Akhtar Shah (30), Khushi Muhammad (40), Rehan (18), Shah Mir (20), Rehman (17), Javed (65), Farooq (35), Muhammad Iqbal (60), and Muhammad Rafiq (60).
Those taken to Jinnah Hospital include Vijay (19), Fida Hussain (35), Arshad (30), Adnan (28), Deen Muhammad (25), Yakesh Kumar (40), Ayub (45), Abid (40), Hanif (42), Saeed (50), Muhammad Saleem (48), Kashif (32), Ammar (25), Hammad (23), Nazaqat (29), and Arif (24).