An intense explosion occurred at a fireworks warehouse in Karachi's populated Saddar area which hurt a minimum of 34 individuals during the afternoon hours on Thursday. The explosion caught fire, spreading a raging blaze to the warehouse and surrounding shops, while emitting thick smoke into the air and triggering extensive panic throughout residents.
Witnesses gave descriptions of hearing various small explosions as well as shattered glass scattered across the streets as individuals ran for cover.
Police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed reported 34 people were brought to hospitals in the city, such as Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre and Civil Hospital Karachi. Four of the injured are critical. Emergency responders moved quickly, with firemen fighting the fire and ambulances rushing the injured. Closed-circuit television broadcast the commotion, depicting individuals fleeing and vehicles backing away quickly from the scene.
The cause of the blast is not known. The officials are probing the incident, and experts are studying the safety measures in place at fireworks storage sites in the city. This blast is another cause for concern regarding the safety of such sites in the densely populated urban landscape.
This accident follows hard on the heels of severe monsoon rains in Karachi a day earlier that have caused extensive flooding, leading to much damage and displacement. The interplay between natural disasters and industrial mishaps has put a further burden on the city's emergency services and health centers.
Residents and authorities are demanding stronger controls and more effective policing of safety measures to avoid such tragedy in the future. As the investigation unfolds, the community is on high alert, struggling with the legacy of this horrific incident.
ALSO READ:
‘Will blow up your dams’: Pakistan PM’s Aide Issues Nuclear Threats Amid Water Disputes