A gas cylinder explosion in a 10th-floor flat of a North Nazimabad high-rise sparked a fire on Sunday, killing a teenage boy and injuring five others, officials said.
Rescue teams evacuated residents and brought the blaze under control after hours of firefighting.
The explosion occurred inside a flat on the 10th floor of a residential building near Hyderi, damaging surrounding flats and collapsing the building’s lift. Rescue officials said the blast also affected the roof of the ninth floor.
Falling debris caused additional damage to vehicles parked below. Deputy Commissioner Central Taha Saleem confirmed that all residents were safely evacuated during the emergency operations.
Casualties and injuries
The victim, a 15–16-year-old boy named Burhan, was recovered from the debris, marking the sole fatality. Five others, including a woman and a child, were injured, with three in critical condition. They were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Chief Fire Officer and rescue teams assisted in evacuating residents and rescuing those trapped, ensuring no further casualties.
Firefighting and emergency response
Firefighting efforts involved four fire tenders, a water bowser, and two snorkels. Electricity to the building was disconnected as a precaution. Cooling operations continued even after the main blaze was controlled.
IG Sindh Javed Alam Odho directed police to secure the site, ensure the safety of residents, and assist in evidence collection. Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) teams were also dispatched to inspect structural damage.
Initial reports suggest a gas cylinder caused the blast, with authorities recovering cylinders from the affected flat. The bomb disposal squad is assessing whether any other factors contributed to the explosion. Police are also investigating the possibility of foul play.
The incident is part of a troubling pattern in Karachi, which has witnessed multiple fire and blast accidents in recent weeks. In January alone, the city recorded 225 fire incidents, causing extensive damage, injuries, and fatalities.
Recent tragedies include the Soldier Bazaar blast that killed 16 people and the Gul Plaza fire claiming 79 lives. Authorities have warned that frequent cylinder-related accidents and structural vulnerabilities make rapid response crucial.
