KARACHI: A residential building collapsed in Soldier Bazaar, Karachi, on Wednesday following a gas leak explosion, killing 16 people and injuring 14, authorities said.
According to officials, a portion of the two-storey building gave way after the gas leak triggered a powerful blast. Among the deceased were a young girl, three women, and several men. Rescue 1122 teams rushed to the scene to extract trapped individuals, but narrow lanes hampered relief efforts.
Deputy Commissioner East, Nasrullah Abbasi, said the identities of some victims have been confirmed, including ten-year-old Nazia and 60-year-old Riaz. The injured were immediately transported to Civil Hospital, Karachi.
Rescue teams reported that one to two more people may still be trapped under the debris, and operations are ongoing to locate and recover them.