Karachi :
The death toll from the blast in Sher Shah area of Karachi, the capital of Sindh province, has risen to eleven while the number of injured has reached twelve. The bodies and injured have been shifted to hospitals.
According to details, the blast near Sher Shah Paracha Chowk in Karachi severely damaged a nearby building. Rescue sources said that 11 people were killed and 12 others were injured in the blast.
Police said the two-storey building was built on a drain, housed a bank and other offices, and that part of the building collapsed and more people were feared buried under the rubble. Vehicles were also damaged, and ambulances and other rescue teams were called to the scene. Police and Rangers personnel are also present at the scene.
Police say the blast may have been caused by a gas leak in the drain, but a bomb disposal squad has been called in to determine the nature of the blast. The nature of the blast will be determined after a bomb disposal squad reports. General (DIG) South Sharjeel Kharal while talking to media said that 12 people were killed and 11 injured in the blast and rescue operations are still going on.
DIG South said that according to the report so far, the explosion was caused by a gas leak, the first priority is to save lives. A bank was set up in the affected building. On the other hand, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the Sher Shah blast and ordered Commissioner Karachi to conduct an inquiry. The Chief Minister said that police officers should also be included in the inquiry so that every aspect could be investigated.
Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life in the blast, he directed the Health Secretary to provide immediate necessary facilities at the Civil Hospital.
Sindh Governor Imran Ismail also expressed sorrow over the loss of life in the blast and directed to provide medical aid to the injured. He also demanded a detailed report from Additional IG Karachi and Commissioner Karachi.
