A tragic gas cylinder explosion in a residential building in North Nazimabad’s Hyderi Block G killed a 15-year-old boy and injured four others on Saturday, authorities confirmed.
The blast occurred at Sehri time in a flat on the ninth floor of a residential block. The explosion triggered a fire that engulfed the affected flat and spread to an adjacent apartment.
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The fire was reportedly heard across surrounding areas, causing panic among residents who evacuated their flats.
Casualties and Injuries
The deceased was identified as 15-year-old Burhan. Four people sustained injuries and were shifted to nearby hospitals: 30-year-old Fatima, 4-year-old Anisa, 40-year-old Hanid, and 70-year-old Tasneem.
Rescue teams and police rushed to the scene and launched emergency operations immediately.
Firefighting and Damage
Firefighters struggled to control the blaze due to the unavailability of a snorkel vehicle, which made it difficult to reach the ninth floor.
As a result, the exterior of the affected flat suffered severe damage, and four flats on the tenth floor were also impacted.
After several hours, the fire was brought under control, and cooling and search operations were completed before residents were allowed to return.
Cause and Investigation
Preliminary investigations suggest the explosion was caused by a gas leak. The building was not connected to the main gas supply; residents were using cylinders. Two damaged cylinders were recovered from the site.
Deputy Commissioner Central Toha Saleem said the Sindh Building Control Authority has been called for inspection, and residents will be allowed entry only after technical clearance.
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SSP Central Imran Khan confirmed that two flats were directly affected.
This incident comes shortly after another tragic gas explosion on the first day of Ramadan at Soldier Bazaar, which caused a residential building to collapse, killing 15 people.
Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution when using gas cylinders in high-rise buildings.
