Loud blast attributed to exploding gas cylinder in Karachi
No casualties or injuries reported. Mechanic's store where cylinder was installed was destroyed by the blast.
KARACHI:
A loud blast was heard in Karachi on Monday evening, which police attributed to a gas cylinder exploding, Express News reported.
The cylinder was installed at an auto-electrician's store in Lines area which has a number of stores for auto parts, electricians and auto mechanics.
The blast destroyed the store where it was installed, however no injuries or casualties were reported.
The blast was heard in far off places such as Defence phase VI, at least 10 kilometers from the blast site.
Police, Rangers, Scouts and emergency services have reached the spot and cordoned off the area.
Security forces are on high alert in the city due to ongoing events linked to Muharram.
A Muharram procession had passed by the site before the blast took place. Security forces had sealed all stores along the procession's route in advance.
The minority Shia sect has been repeatedly targeted during Muharram in the past prompting secuirty forces to remain on high alert. Attacks have taken place during the critical days of Muharram 9 and Muharram 10 when activities are their peak.
Rehman Malik forms committee to investigate blast
Interior Minister took note of a cylinder explosion along a Muharram procession route, ordering a Joint Investigation Team to investigate the blast.
People at the blast site questioned that the blast was the result of a cylinder exploding given the proximity to a Muharram procession route and the tell tale sign of ball bearings at the scene.
A loud blast was heard in Karachi on Monday evening, which police attributed to a gas cylinder exploding, Express News reported.
The cylinder was installed at an auto-electrician's store in Lines area which has a number of stores for auto parts, electricians and auto mechanics.
The blast destroyed the store where it was installed, however no injuries or casualties were reported.
The blast was heard in far off places such as Defence phase VI, at least 10 kilometers from the blast site.
Police, Rangers, Scouts and emergency services have reached the spot and cordoned off the area.
Security forces are on high alert in the city due to ongoing events linked to Muharram.
A Muharram procession had passed by the site before the blast took place. Security forces had sealed all stores along the procession's route in advance.
The minority Shia sect has been repeatedly targeted during Muharram in the past prompting secuirty forces to remain on high alert. Attacks have taken place during the critical days of Muharram 9 and Muharram 10 when activities are their peak.
Rehman Malik forms committee to investigate blast
Interior Minister took note of a cylinder explosion along a Muharram procession route, ordering a Joint Investigation Team to investigate the blast.
People at the blast site questioned that the blast was the result of a cylinder exploding given the proximity to a Muharram procession route and the tell tale sign of ball bearings at the scene.