At least one person has died and 34 others were injured after a fire broke out at a fireworks warehouse situated near the Saddar Parking Plaza along MA Jinnah Road on Thursday.
All the injured were swiftly transferred to nearby hospitals. Hospital sources report that 14 of the injured were admitted to Civil Hospital, while 20 were treated at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC).
Meanwhile, rescue officials retrieved the charred body of a 16-year-old madrassa student, identified as Asad, from the site.
Speaking to reporters, the victim’s uncle, Jamal Shah, said that Asad, a resident of Patel Para, had come to visit his elder brother during holidays.
His brother, Afser Shah, who works at a surgical instruments shop near the site of the blast, was also injured in the explosion and is currently undergoing treatment.
Seeking immediate investigation, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasal Lanjar inquired whether the warehouse was operating under a valid license. He tasked the police with assisting the rescue operation and collecting statements from the injured besides collecting evidence from the site.
“All necessary measures must be taken to transfer the injured to nearby hospitals,” he said, instructing officials to submit an initial report on the inquiry and begin probe into the blaze.
Rescue teams working to extinguish the fire. Photo: Express
Rescue teams working to extinguish the fire. Photo: Express
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also took notice of the blaze that engulfed large quantities of fireworks stored on MA Jinnah Road.
“Efforts must be made to bring the fire under control at the earliest,” directed the CM, while stressing that “every possible effort should be taken to prevent any loss of life”.
Shah directed the Karachi Commissioner to ensure the injured were provided with immediate medical attention and underscored that no hazardous material be permitted for manufacturing in urban residential areas.
“Once the fire is controlled, a detailed report must be presented to me,” said Shah.
The extinguishing operation was underway till the filing of this report.
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