KARACHI: A gas cylinder explosion triggered a fire in a residential high-rise near Hyderi in North Nazimabad on Sunday, killing a teenage boy and injuring five others, including a woman and a child, rescue and police officials said.
Rescue officials said the body of the 15 to 16-year-old boy, identified as Burhan, was recovered from the debris, taking the death toll to one. Deputy Commissioner Central Taha Saleem, during a media briefing, confirmed that five people were injured in the Hyderi incident, three of whom were in critical condition and shifted to hospital.
According to police and rescuers, the explosion occurred inside a flat on the 10th floor. Rescue 1122 said the blast damaged the roof of a ninth-floor flat and affected the building’s lift, while the deputy commissioner stated that the lift collapsed due to the impact.
Officials said at least two flats were damaged, while an adjoining unit was also affected. The fire spread on the 10th floor, prompting an immediate evacuation of the building. Rescue authorities confirmed that all residents were safely evacuated and police cleared the complex for emergency operations.
Firefighting efforts involved four fire tenders, a water bowser and two snorkels. Electricity supply to the building was disconnected as a precaution. The chief fire officer said three people, including a woman and a child, were rescued during the operation.
SSP Central Dr Muhammad Imran Khan, who was present at the site, said initial findings suggested the blast was caused by a gas cylinder explosion, adding that cylinders were found inside the affected flat. He said the bomb disposal squad would determine the exact nature of the explosion.
Rescue officials added that falling debris damaged several vehicles parked beneath the building. After several hours, the fire was brought under control and cooling operations were underway, while authorities began collecting evidence and clearing debris. Teams from the Sindh Building Control Authority are expected to inspect the structure.
Karachi has witnessed a series of fire and blast incidents in recent weeks. Earlier this week, a cylinder-related explosion in a three-storey building in Soldier Bazaar No 3 killed at least 16 people and injured 14 others after part of the structure collapsed.
Earlier this month, a fire at an eight-storey residential building near the Baloch Colony flyover was brought under control following a precautionary evacuation.
In January alone, the city reported 225 fire incidents, resulting in widespread damage, injuries and loss of life. The trend has continued into February, with more than 20 incidents reported in the first five days of the month.
The deadliest recent blaze occurred on January 17 at Gul Plaza, where 79 people lost their lives and at least 22 others were injured, according to official figures.