The death toll from a gas explosion near the Paracha roundabout in Karachi's Shershah area rose to 18 on Wednesday after a person succumbed to their injuries at a hospital, according to rescue workers, Aaj News reported.
They added that the deceased was identified as Jameel s/o Ghulam Akbar. The rescue workers shifted the body to Rajanpur.
Moreover, the work was under way to clear the rubble from the blast site. Aaj News reported that Gulbai Pull and the road is closed for traffic because of the rescue work.
On Sunday, the rescue workers had found two more bodies were found from the nullah near the blast site. The two bodies found were identified as Sardar Ameer and Mohammad Ali, according to the rescue workers. As per the family of deceased persons, Sardar Ameer was the chief cashier at the private bank, while Mohammad Ali had arrived at the bank to deposit money. Rescue workers said that the process of identification of the other 15 dead people has been completed.
Moreover, an FIR has been registered over the Shershah explosion at the SITE B Area Police Station. The FIR has been registered against the owner and the constructor of the building.
Police and the bomb disposal squad confirmed that the explosion occurred due to gas leakage in a nullah located under the branch of a private bank. Authorities added that notices had been issued to those occupying the building to vacate the premises so that the nullah could be cleaned up.
The explosion, which was heard for miles, badly damaged the building, a nearby petrol pump while also shattering glasses of nearby structures and destroying vehicles parked in the vicinity.
A second blast also took place at the site while rescue work was underway to retrieve people trapped under the rubble. Following the explosion, authorities suspended the rescue work.
However, it was later ascertained by the bomb disposal squad that the accumulation of gas in the nullah was the cause of the blast, with the police also stating there was no evidence of involvement of terrorists.
Meanwhile, excavators and rescue equipment remain on-site while Rangers cordoned off the area.
Reacting to the incident, Prime Minister Imran Khan offered his condolences to the families of victims of the twin blasts. PM Imran added that he was saddened to hear of the loss of PTI MNA Alamgir Khan’s father who also perished in the blast.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Political Communication Shahbaz Gill said the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf MNA Alamgir Khan's father, Dilawar Khan, had also died in the blast.
"We share the grief of Alamgir Khan and other bereaved families," he tweeted, praying for the deceased.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the blast and ordered Karachi Commissioner to conduct a detailed inquiry of the incident. Shah added that a police officer should be included in the committe for conducting inquiry from every aspect
He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and directed provincial health secretary to provide all facilities to the injured in Civil Hospital.
In a statement, Sindh Governor Imran Ismail also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives.
Later, Sindh Information Minister Saeed Ghani also arrived at the site of the explosion where he spoke to the media.
He said that the SITE Association of Industry had constructed the building and rented it out. "I am unable to understand that how can an institution construct a building on a nullah and rent it out," the minister added.
While the minister pointed out that construction of structures atop nullahs wasn't legal, while suggesting that the SITE body was responsible for the incident.
He also called for removal of such structures on stormwater drains and nullahs, while adding that those affected by it should be compensated.
