Karachi [Pakistan], August 23 (ANI): The death toll from Thursday’s firecracker warehouse explosion on MA Jinnah Road in Karachi has risen to six, after another injured victim succumbed to injuries during treatment on Saturday, Geo News reported, citing officials.
According to police, warehouse owner Muhammad Hanif was arrested from the hospital where he was receiving treatment for injuries sustained in the blast. His brother, Ayub, who was also wounded, escaped from Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) on Friday night and remains at large. Authorities said efforts are underway to locate and arrest him.
Both brothers have been named in an FIR registered at Karachi’s Preedy Police Station on charges including manslaughter, negligence, and endangering public safety, Geo News reported. Investigators revealed that Hanif had been importing fireworks from both domestic and international sources and was also producing explosive materials in a section at the rear of the same building.
Emergency responders recovered four bodies shortly after the explosion, while two more victims later died in the hospital. More than 30 others were injured, many with severe burns, and were taken to Dr. Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital and JPMC, Geo News reported.
A bomb disposal squad report noted that approximately 500 kilograms of fireworks ignited in the blast, which was powerful enough to be heard up to seven kilometers away. The explosion caused significant damage within a 100-meter radius, affecting the warehouse, nearby shops, and vehicles.
Authorities also discovered that three storerooms within the building still contained fireworks, while two containers filled with explosive material were found in a nearby open area. Officials estimate that about 5,000 kilograms of fireworks remain at the site and have called for their immediate and safe disposal, according to Geo News.
Rescue operations continued through Friday, involving police, firefighters, and local administration teams. (ANI)
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