KARACHI: At least 14 people were killed and another 15 sustained injuries in a blast near Paracha Chowk in Karachi’s Shershah area on Saturday, according to police officials.
Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho confirmed the number of casualties and added that 11 bodies have been identified while two of the injured are in critical condition. “Doctors are providing emergency medical assistance to the injured,” she added.
Among the dead was the father of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Alamgir Khan, confirmed the party’s Karachi president Khurram Sher Zaman.
Prime Minister Imran Khan offered condolences to the families of the victims. “I am especially saddened to hear of the loss of our MNA Alamgir Khan’s father who also perished in the blast,” wrote the premier on his official Twitter handle.
My heartfelt prayers & condolences go to all the families of victims of the twin blasts at Sher Shah Paracha Chowk, Karachi. I am especially saddened to hear of the loss of our MNA Alamgir Khan’s father who also perished in the blast. May Allah give him strength to bear this loss
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) December 18, 2021
SHO Zafar Ali Shah said the explosion took place in a nullah (drain) located underneath a private bank, which had been served a notice to vacate the premises so it could be cleaned up. “The bank’s building, as well as nearby petrol pump, was damaged in the explosion”, he added.
Following the explosion, the bank premises collapsed and most of the casualties are reportedly customers and staff present inside the bank. The Karachi police spokesperson said that a bomb disposal squad was called to examine the site of the explosion.
The report, released later in the day, concluded that the blast occurred due to gas leakage and the accumulation of gases in the nullah underneath the building. The police spokesperson also said no evidence of terrorism had been found at the site of the blast yet.
Excavators, with the help of rescue teams, have started removing the debris. Rescue officials said eight people were killed in the explosion and four more succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. The explosion was heard for miles and shattered windows of nearby buildings and also damaged vehicles parked in its proximity.
Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and ordered commissioner Karachi for a detailed inquiry. Expressing condolence of the loss of lives in the explosion, Murad instructed the provincial chief secretary to ensure the provision of quality medical care to all injured.
“Police should also be included in the inquiry so that every aspect can be covered,” said the provincial chief executive. He also ordered administration officials to reach the hospital and provide all possible assistance to the victims.
Saeed Ghani’s media talk
Taking to journalists, Sindh Information Minister Saeed Ghani said that according to the details he had received so far, the bank’s building was constructed and given on rent by the SITE Association of Industry. “I am unable to understand that how can an institution construct a building on a nullah and rent it out,” he added.
Replying to a question, Ghani added that “apparently, and I am not saying this with finality, the SITE Association is responsible for the incident as it constructed the affected building on a drain and gave it on rent.” The minister said principally, the construction of any structure on a nullah was not legal.
Saying that all structures constructed on drains in the city should be removed, he added that however, those affected and displaced as a result of the move must also be given compensation.
“It’s not as much their fault as of those who allotted the land to them in the first place,” Ghani explained. He said that institutions, departments, authorities and officials who allotted land to people on nullahs must be identified so that action could be taken against them.
