KARACHI: At least 34 people sustained injuries when a powerful explosion tore through a firecracker warehouse on MA Jinnah Road near Saddar on Thursday, sparking a blaze that sent thick plumes of smoke into the sky.
Rescue officials said the blast occurred in the basement of Al-Amna Plaza, a four-storey building housing families on its upper floors. The warehouse, operating under the name “Super Fireworks”, was found to be storing raw materials used in the manufacture of firecrackers.
‘Not ordinary fireworks’
Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) officer Raja Umar Khattab, speaking at the site, said the material present in the warehouse was “not just ordinary fireworks” but also included explosive substances.
“Recently, two tonnes of explosive material were seized from the same vicinity,” he said, adding that more than 50 kilogrammes of fireworks were likely stored in the basement — a dangerous quantity in a residential locality.
Blast linked to short circuit
A Rescue 1122 spokesperson said preliminary findings indicated that an electrical short circuit ignited the inflammable stock, triggering the massive explosion that damaged the building’s pillars and walls.
Falling cement blocks crushed several vehicles parked outside while windowpanes of nearby buildings shattered.
Rescue officials confirmed that 34 people were injured, with four to five in critical condition due to burns and blast effects. Firefighters from the KMC and Rescue 1122 deployed 12 fire tenders to douse the blaze, which repeatedly reignited because of the presence of explosive material in the basement. By evening, officials said 60 to 70 per cent of the fire had been brought under control.
Sindh CM orders report
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and directed the administration to expedite firefighting and medical relief.
“No manufacturing or storage of such hazardous material should be allowed in residential areas,” he said, instructing the Karachi commissioner to submit a detailed report.
