A massive explosion at a fireworks warehouse in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, injured at least 34 people on Thursday, authorities said, sparking panic among residents. The blast, which occurred in a densely populated area, triggered a fire that engulfed the warehouse and nearby shops, while several smaller explosions followed, forcing people to flee for safety.
Smoke and flames rose from the multi-storey building, with shattered glass littering the streets and injuring passersby. Videos shared on social media showed terrified residents running from the scene and vehicles hastily turning around to escape. The explosion was reportedly powerful enough to be heard several kilometres away.
Police official Summaiya Tariq confirmed that 34 injured individuals were admitted to hospitals, with four in critical condition. The incident came just a day after heavy monsoon rains caused widespread flooding in the city, Pakistan’s financial hub home to over 20 million people.
“I thought several bombs had gone off,” said local resident Aqib Khan, describing the chaos. Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
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