Bomb blast in Karachi kills one, injures 11

MQM election cell official also injured in the blast

A man was killed and 11 others sustained injuries when a low-intensity remote-controlled improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated in a busy market in Orangi Town Sector 12/L of Karachi on Saturday evening.

According to details, a bomb with half-a-kilogramme of explosive material had been planted under a push-cart near Barohi restaurant in Orangi No12. It was remotely detonated at around 9:30pm and affected people in a 15 meter radius.

“Though the blast seems to be of low intensity, the street was crowded at the time of incident, which caused injuries to more people than it should have,” said SSP West Azfar Mahesar, adding that most of the injured were not critical.

The injured were shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and Qatar Hospital. SP Orangi Town Ali Asif told The Express Tribune that two people who had been injured in the blast had also been taken to the Qatar hospital for treatment.

The medico-legal officer at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital said that 10 people had been brought to the hospital. Of these, one was dead, while nine were in injured condition.

The deceased was identified as 47-year old Mohammad Shakeel. The injured were identified as Rashid Khudadad (35), Anwar Khaliq (35), Naimatullah (30), Shahid Rasul (40), Mumtaz Alam (40), Israel 50, M Javed (45), Faiz Alam (50), Shahnwaz (48).

Israeel was a member of Muttahida Qaumi Movement's election cell.

MQM's Election cell member critically injured at the bomb attack in Orangi.

— Syed Ali Raza Abidi (@abidifactor) March 14, 2015

SSP Mahesar, however, ruled out any the bombing to be targeted, instead he said it was detonated to spread fear and panic in the area.