KARACHI – A young child was rescued alive from the rubble of a collapsed residential building in Soldier Bazaar, Karachi, on Thursday. Officials called the rescue a miraculous survival.
The building partially collapsed after a powerful explosion, believed to be caused by a gas leak. At least 16 people were killed and 14 others injured. The blast happened in the early hours of the first day of Ramadan, during Sehri, when residents were preparing their pre-dawn meal. The explosion was strong enough to shake nearby buildings.
Rescue 1122 teams reached the site immediately after reports of the incident. Emergency workers conducted a search and rescue operation, pulling 14 people alive from the debris. Among them was the child, identified as Kausar.
Kausar described her experience, saying she was asleep when the explosion occurred. “There was a blast, and I was trapped under the rubble,” she said. She also mentioned calling out to her sister, who was buried in the debris but did not survive.
The Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) confirmed that a gas leak triggered the explosion. Officials said faulty kitchen gas fittings and the use of plastic pipes increased the risk. Gas compressor machines had also been installed in the building. Residents had faced gas shortages for days, and a sudden restoration of high-pressure gas the previous night may have contributed to the incident.
Investigators are examining possible causes, including an open gas valve, a short circuit, or the lighting of a match. Authorities continue rescue and investigation operations to determine the full extent of the damage and responsibility.
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The miraculous survival of the child has brought relief to residents, but the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of faulty gas installations. Officials urge building owners and residents to check gas connections and safety measures regularly.
