Lagatar24 Desk
Karachi, Dec.18: A huge explosion ripped through the premises of a private bank in Karachi’s Shershah district on Saturday, killing at least 12 people and injuring many more as reported by The Express Tribune.
The structure, which is near Paracha Chowk and has a petrol station next to it, was erected on a nullah.
The bank premises fell as a result of the explosion, with the majority of those killed being clients and employees.
The source of the explosion is still being found and officials say they can’t say if the explosion was caused by a gas pipeline or a build-up of methane inside the nullah.
“We have no idea whether it was a gas blast. Our first priority is the rescue operation and then we can determine the cause of the explosion,” said DIG East Sharjeel Kharal.
“It might be a sewer gas blast as the bank was constructed on a nullah. It is too early to say whether it was a gas line or a sewer explosion. We are investigating,” said the local deputy commissioner.
Excavators have begun removing debris with the assistance of rescue crews.
Eight individuals were killed in the explosion, according to rescuers, and two more died in the hospital from their injuries.
The explosion destroyed windows in surrounding buildings and damaged automobiles parked nearby, and it could be heard for miles.
A big group of security personnel arrived at the scene shortly after the explosion and roped off the area. For treatment, the injured were taken to the Civil Hospital Trauma Centre. The Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) was also dispatched to the scene to examine the explosion’s cause.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and ordered a thorough investigation by Commissioner Karachi. Murad expressed his regret for the deaths caused by the explosion and directed the province chief secretary to ensure that all injured people received proper medical care.
“Police should be included in the investigation to ensure that all aspects are covered,” the provincial chief executive stated.
He also directed that officials from the administration go to the hospital and aid the victims in whatever way they could.
