Karachi Warehouse Blast Injures 22
Blast in Karachi Warehouse Injures 22, Sparks Firefighting Operation
KARACHI — A powerful explosion at a fireworks warehouse in Karachi on Wednesday shattered nearby windows and damaged several vehicles and rickshaws, officials said.
The fire quickly spread, but the Karachi Fire Brigade managed to bring around 70 to 80 percent of the blaze under control, according to Chief Fire Officer Muhammad Humayun Khan.
Rescue teams confirmed that 22 people were injured, eight of them with serious burn injuries. Thirteen victims were taken to Jinnah Hospital, while seven others received treatment at Civil Hospital Karachi.
More than a dozen fire tenders were deployed to tackle the flames, while large contingents of Karachi police and Rangers cordoned off the area. SSU commandos joined the rescue operation, helping evacuate people trapped on the building’s roof, a Sindh Police spokesperson said.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed deep concern over the incident, emphasizing that hazardous materials should never be stored in residential neighborhoods. He directed the Karachi Commissioner to provide updates once the fire is fully controlled.
SSP South Mahzoor Ali confirmed that the fireworks shop had been operating in the area for a long time and noted that many injuries resulted from shattered glass from surrounding buildings.
The incident has once again raised concerns about Karachi’s safety regulations and the unchecked presence of fireworks warehouses in densely populated areas.
Earlier Fire in Landhi Industrial Zone
Earlier this week, a massive fire broke out at a factory in Karachi’s Landhi Export Processing Zone. Officials believe the blaze started in the building’s basement and was quickly classified as a third-degree fire.
At least 16 fire tenders and two water bowsers were deployed, but parts of the factory collapsed during the operation. The fire reduced the building to rubble, highlighting serious gaps in fire safety protocols and emergency response measures in Karachi’s industrial zones.
The flames spread to several adjoining factories, and stored gas cylinders in a nearby facility added to the risk of a possible explosion. Seven injured workers were rescued, and thankfully, no fatalities were reported.
Karachi Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan said firefighting teams managed to contain about 90 percent of the fire, with full extinguishment expected soon. Teams surrounded the factory from all sides, working tirelessly to put out the remaining flames.
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