At least 12 persons killed, 13 others injured in result of blast at Sher Shah Paracha Chowk in Karachi
KARACHI, Dec 18 (SABAH): At least 12 persons were killed and 13 others injured in result of blast at Sher Shah Paracha Chowk in Karachi on Saturday. The killed persons also include the father of PTI MNA from Karachi Alamghir Khan, Dilawar Khan.
The killed persons have been identified as Munawar Khan, Shafi, Zeeshan Hassan, Muhammad Younis, Inamullah, Saifullah and Meerbat Khan.
Meanwhile the injured persons include Ghulam Mustafa, Riaz, Kashmir Khan, Abdul Ghaffar, Muhammad Arshad, Hammad, Suba Khan, Abdul Wahab and Ghulam Akbar.
According to the police the blast occurred in the sui gas pipeline. Eight persons were killed on the occasion while two succumb to injures in the hospital. The condition of all the injured persons is stated and they are being treated at ICU.
Due to the gas blast the building of the private bank was badly damaged; meanwhile many cars and bikes were also destroyed in the result of the blast. Security personnel have cordoned off the area after the blast.
Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Hospital Trauma Centre head Dr. Sabir Memon confirmed that the number of people who died as a result of the blast had increased to 10.
A bomb disposal unit (BDU) has arrived at the location of the blast. The BDU will be able to begin investigating the cause of the blast after police conclude their search operation.
“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.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and ordered commissioner Karachi for a detailed inquiry. Expressing sorry of the loss of lives in the explosion, Murad instructed the provincial chief secretary to ensure the provision of quality medical care to all injured.
“Police should also be included in the inquiry so that every aspect can be covered,” said the provincial chief executive. He also ordered administration officials to reach the hospital and provide all possible assistance to the victims.
Meanwhile, Punjab CM Sardar Usman Ahmed Khan Buzdar has also extended condolences to the bereaved families and said that we are standing with the victims in this difficult time. He further prayed for early recovery of the injured people.
Meanwhile, Karachi Administrator Barrister Murtaza Wahab said an investigation was under way to ascertain the cause of the blast, and that necessary treatment was being provided to the injured.