At least 10 people were killed and several others injured after a powerful gas explosion caused part of a residential building to collapse in Karachi, highlighting ongoing safety and infrastructure concerns in Pakistan.

The explosion occurred in a densely populated residential area, triggering panic among residents and causing severe structural damage to the building. Rescue teams rushed to the scene shortly after the blast, working urgently to pull survivors from beneath the rubble.

Rescue operations continue amid fears of rising casualties

Emergency responders, including firefighters, police, and rescue personnel, launched a large-scale search and rescue operation to locate those trapped under the debris. Heavy machinery was deployed to clear the rubble, while medical teams provided immediate assistance to the injured.

Officials warned that the death toll could rise further, as several victims were believed to remain trapped when rescue efforts began. Survivors described scenes of chaos, with residents rushing out of nearby buildings after hearing a loud explosion.

Gas leak suspected as cause of explosion

Preliminary investigations suggest that the explosion was likely caused by a gas leak within the building. Authorities stated that accumulated gas may have ignited, resulting in a powerful blast that weakened the structure and caused a partial collapse.

Gas leaks remain a recurring hazard in Karachi due to aging infrastructure, poor maintenance, and weak enforcement of safety standards. Such incidents have frequently led to explosions, fires, and loss of life in residential and commercial areas.

Authorities face questions over safety failures

The incident has once again exposed serious concerns about building safety regulations and enforcement in Pakistan’s largest city. Critics have long warned that poor construction standards, illegal modifications, and inadequate inspection systems have made many buildings vulnerable to accidents.

Residents in the area expressed anger over what they described as negligence by authorities and utility providers, accusing them of failing to ensure basic safety measures.

Pattern of preventable urban disasters

Karachi, Pakistan’s financial hub and largest city, has witnessed multiple similar tragedies in recent years. Rapid urban expansion, combined with weak oversight and aging utility infrastructure, has created dangerous living conditions for millions of residents.

The latest disaster underscores the urgent need for stronger safety enforcement, infrastructure upgrades, and accountability to prevent future tragedies in Pakistan’s overcrowded urban centers. 

This image is taken from Al Jazeera.