Gas explosion kills 16 after apartment building partially collapsed in southern Pakistan

A devastating gas explosion tore through an apartment building in Karachi on Thursday, killing at least 16 people and injuring several others when part of the structure collapsed, according to police and rescue officials.

The blast occurred during the early morning hours as residents were preparing suhoor, the pre-dawn meal eaten before fasting begins on the first day of Ramadan, local police chief Rizwan Patel told reporters. The explosion caused significant structural damage to the residential building, trapping victims beneath the rubble.

“The initial count was 13 fatalities, but the toll has unfortunately risen to 16 after rescue teams recovered three more bodies from the debris,” Patel said. Emergency crews continued sifting through the collapsed sections of the building throughout the day, searching for possible survivors.

Women and children were among those killed in the explosion, which sent shockwaves through the densely populated neighborhood. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as neighbors rushed to help before emergency services arrived.

Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari issued a statement expressing condolences to the victims’ families and directed authorities to provide the best possible medical treatment to the injured. He also called for a swift completion of rescue operations and urged the Sindh provincial government to enforce stricter building codes and safety measures for gas installations.

The tragedy highlights the ongoing safety concerns related to gas infrastructure in Pakistan’s urban centers. Most residential buildings in Karachi, like elsewhere in the country, are connected to natural gas supply networks primarily used for cooking. However, due to chronically low gas pressure, many households supplement with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, which pose significant safety risks if not properly maintained or installed.

Energy expert Khalid Rahman from the Institute of Policy Studies in Islamabad explained, “Pakistan’s aging gas infrastructure, combined with lax enforcement of safety regulations, creates a dangerous environment. The situation becomes particularly risky during Ramadan when cooking activities increase and people wake up at unusual hours to prepare meals before dawn.”

The incident follows a troubling pattern of gas-related accidents in Pakistan’s urban areas. Last July, a similar explosion during a wedding reception in Islamabad killed eight people, including the bride and groom. That tragedy occurred as wedding guests had gathered to celebrate with the couple.

Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city with a population exceeding 20 million, has long struggled with infrastructure challenges. The metropolitan area serves as the country’s main commercial hub and primary seaport, but its rapid growth has outpaced infrastructure development and regulatory oversight.

Local authorities have initiated an investigation into the cause of Thursday’s explosion, though preliminary reports suggest it may have resulted from a gas leak that accumulated overnight. Safety officials are examining whether proper gas detection systems were in place and functioning correctly.

Urban planning experts have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of safety standards and regular inspections of gas installations in residential areas. The Pakistan Engineering Council has previously recommended nationwide awareness campaigns about gas safety and proper maintenance procedures for home gas systems.

As rescue operations continue, local hospitals have mobilized medical teams to treat the injured. Several victims are reported to be in critical condition with severe burns and trauma injuries, according to hospital sources.

The deadly blast has once again brought Pakistan’s infrastructure safety issues to the forefront of public discourse, particularly as millions of citizens begin the month of Ramadan.