Back to back bomb blasts in Karachi kill six, injure 28 people

MQM appeals to observe a peaceful day of mourning on Saturday, but businesses, schools, transport to remain open.

KARACHI: At least six people, including a child, were killed and as many as 28 people were injured when two successive explosions ripped through Ancholi, located in Federal 'B' Area of Karachi, late on Friday, Express News reported.


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