One rickshaw, one motorcycle, two cars and four shops were destroyed in the blast. PHOTO: EXPRESS/MOHAMMAD NOMAN
One of the bombs exploded outside a tea stall in Ancholi. The second exploded a minute later outside a caterer's shop located a short distance away.
DIG West Javed Alam Odho told media that per an initial report of the Bomb Disposal Squad, both explosions were planted bombs, and had used around three to four kgs of explosive material together with ball bearings.
Odho added that both the bombs were planted on motorcycles, and detonated remotely using mobile phones, with the first bomb more powerful than the second.
"It [explosion] could have been even more devastating, since there were a number of rallies today and a congregation being held nearby had ended at 10pm."
The explosions destroyed a total four shops, two cars (one bearing government number plate), a rickshaw and a motorcycle.
The intensity of the blasts was such that the explosion was heard for miles around.
"The blasts could be heard even at a distance of 15km-20km. Residents in North Nazimabad and Gulshan-e-Iqbal have reported they heard the explosions," reported Express News correspondent Rehan Khan.
At least 28 injured people were brought to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for treatment, five of whom succumbed to their wounds. One of those who died was a child. Three patients in critical condition have been transferred to a private hospital on the request of their relatives.
Salik Ali Jafri, martyred tonight in Ancholi, my friend and one of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet. pic.twitter.com/PzdOBI9txZ
— Hasan Zaidi (@hyzaidi) November 22, 2013
Express News correspondent Rehan Khan said that officials at the hospital have confirmed that 28 people had been injured in the blast. Some of the injured are still missing.
https://twitter.com/HaiderRizviMQM/status/403965947738095617
Express News correspondent Naeem Khanzada reported that the blast also plunged the area into darkness. Karachi Electric Supply Corporation confirmed on Twitter that the explosion had affected its power supply to the area.
#Ancholi Blast: Affected the area PMT. Two teams from KESC on site waiting for security clearance to commence restoration.
— KE (@KElectricPk) November 22, 2013
It took them almost an hour to fix the power supply to the area.
Khan added that the targeted area is densely populated and the explosions spread a wave of panic in the area.
Soon after the blast, a heavy contingent of police and other law enforcing officials along with rescue teams descended on the site. The blast site was cordoned off, while rescue workers shifted victims to hospitals for treatment.
Bomb Disposal (BDS) scoured the area for additional bombs and collected evidence of the explosions.
Members from different political parties condemned the incident in strong terms, while Muttahida Qaumi Movement, which is headquartered in nearby 90, appealed to observe a peaceful day of mourning on Saturday throughout the country.
MQM's Raabita Committee said business and education have suffered due to terrorism. Therefore, all the business, trade, transport and educational institutes will remain open on Saturday.
We strongly condemn bomb blast in Incholi at Tea Hotel #Karachi #Pakistan & offer condolences to the bereaved families & RIP Aameen
— Wasay Jalil (@WasayJalil) November 22, 2013
Horrific news of twin blasts in Khi. Our ppl don't deserve this. The innocent continue to suffer the consequences of our flawed policies.
— Alizeh Iqbal Haider (@AlizehIHaider) November 22, 2013
Blasts again in Karachi. What a shame. May Allah save those injured as no report of dead. I hope it stays that way and lives are saved
— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) November 22, 2013
COMMENTS (23)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
1713853507-0/MalalaHilary-(2)1713853507-0-270x192.webp)
@Mirza: Jinnah's Pakistan dies the day your Parliament passed ordnance declaring Ahmedis as non-Muslims. I have a feeling your cry for help will go unheeded. Its too late in the game and Pakistan is unraveling in front of our own eyes.
The Drones will eliminate these killers
@Mirza: Are u in scences?
@Fahad Raza: I am so sorry Fahad. Karachites hearts bleed at this tragic incident when we are trying our best to maintain peace but it seems that tolerance is getting defeated
Every day people are being killed by terrorists but Imran Khan has no time to condemn these attack. We appreciate his sympathy for his friends but common people of Pakistan should have priority. He is a leader of whole Pakistan, so he should act like that.
I blame all the leaders of pti and pmln who are un willing to take actions against extremist on there own province of punjab and kp while we people in sindh and balochistan are suffering from extremist targeting our province.
Despite efforts made to maintain sectarian peace and harmony, the forces of intolerance and bigotry have succeeded yet once again.
RIP deceased.
Can PTI help us understand why their political alliy TTP are carrying out operations in Karachi .
Condolences to the families of the victims, People need to stand united, Christians, Hindus, Sunnis, Shias, and even the minority Jewish community (if they still exist), and other communities. This is not Jinnah's Pakistan. Pakistan was created to be a role model for other nations for peace, and stability. Please do not give in to hate, and extremism. Pakistan was created for us, so we'd all live in peace, with one another, and not to destroy ourselves with hate, and bloodshed.
Heartbreaking.
Though we have to ask ourselves why are the adherents of the so-called "religion of peace" so intolerant and hateful?
Inna Lillah he Wa Inna Elihe Rajeeon......May the deceased souls rest in eternal peace. A condemn-able event. Thats why I stress promulgating a black legislation for dealing with Terrorism. The only sentence should be that of a death squad for anyone who is found inloved in committing, aiding or explicitly supporting any act of militancy,sectarian and political terrorism. This qoum only understands the language of Danda so be it given to them....
Wish I could cry over my politicians
You can blame drone strikes for this. Without drone strikes terrorists are angels. Harmless butterflies of peace. Drones turn them into the monsters they become.
continues
And that ends the peaceful rawalpindi protest...
Another black day for Karachi
successful operation in Karachi..D.G.Rangers should be made the next COAS..congratulation...
Mubark ho.Religious madness at its peak and our leaders still bend over backward for a dialog with the killers.
If blasts were heard 15 kms away how can only 15 people be injured?