The explosion in a firecracker warehouse near MA Jinnah Road in Karachi has claimed at least five lives and left more than 30 people injured, police confirmed on Friday.

The blast also caused a massive fire that destroyed parts of a government girls’ school located in the Jacob Line area.

Death toll rises as rescue continues

Rescue teams are still clearing debris from the site, where the smell of gunpowder lingers more than a day after the tragedy. Another body recovered late Thursday raised the death toll to five, while dozens of injured victims remain under treatment at city hospitals.

Also Read: Blaze at Karachi fireworks warehouse leaves 33 injured

Police said a case has been registered at the Preedy Police Station on government complaint under charges of murder, attempted murder, and causing death with intent. Warehouse owners Hanif and Muhammad Ayub have been nominated in the FIR. Hanif, who was injured in the blast, is undergoing treatment, while another accused, Usman, managed to escape.

School destroyed in blast

The warehouse was being operated illegally within the premises of Government Girls’ High School Jacob Line, one of the busiest areas of Karachi. The explosion left the school building in ruins — its roof collapsed, windows shattered, and furniture destroyed.

Teachers expressed concern that if classes had not been suspended due to rain, the tragedy could have been far worse. “If the school reopens on Monday, where will the children sit?” one teacher asked, pointing to the destroyed classrooms.