A suspected gas explosion early Thursday in Karachi’s densely populated Soldier Bazaar area caused part of a residential building to collapse, killing at least 16 people, including women and children, and injuring 14 others, authorities said.
The blast occurred in Gul Rana Colony at around 4:15 a.m. during Sehri, according to Rescue 1122 and police officials, and victims were shifted to Civil Hospital for treatment. Rescue teams completed search and rescue operations at the site, with structural damage complicating efforts. Local authorities are investigating the blast and continue to assess safety issues in the neighbourhood.