KARACHI: A gas cylinder explosion sparked a massive 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, according to police and rescue officials.
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Rescue authorities confirmed that the body of a 15–16-year-old boy, identified as Burhan, was recovered from the debris, raising the death toll to one. Deputy Commissioner Central Taha Saleem said five people sustained injuries in the incident, three of whom were reported to be in critical condition and were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Officials stated that the explosion occurred inside a flat on the 10th floor of the building. The blast severely damaged multiple apartments, affected the roof of a ninth-floor flat, and caused the building’s lift to collapse. Fire also spread across parts of the 10th floor, prompting an immediate evacuation of residents.
Rescue teams deployed four fire tenders, a water bowser, and two snorkels to control the blaze. Electricity supply to the building was disconnected as a precautionary measure. Firefighters successfully rescued three individuals, including a woman and a child, during the operation.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Central Dr Muhammad Imran Khan said preliminary findings suggest the explosion was caused by a gas cylinder, as several cylinders were found inside the affected apartment. However, the bomb disposal squad has been tasked with determining the exact cause of the blast.
Falling debris from the explosion also damaged several vehicles parked beneath the building. After hours of firefighting efforts, officials brought the fire under control and initiated cooling operations, while police began collecting evidence and clearing debris from the site.
Authorities said teams from the Sindh Building Control Authority will inspect the structure to assess its safety.
The incident adds to a growing number of fire and blast cases reported across Karachi in recent weeks. Earlier, a cylinder explosion in Soldier Bazaar claimed at least 16 lives, while multiple fire incidents have been recorded across the city this year, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in residential buildings.
