Catastrophic explosion at fireworks warehouse in Karachi claims lives of four, leaves numerous injured
In a shocking turn of events, an explosion in Karachi, Pakistan's bustling commercial hub, has raised questions about the safety measures in place in the city. The incident, which occurred on Thursday according to dw.com, left at least six people dead, more than 30 injured, and caused extensive damage to surrounding buildings and vehicles.
The explosion took place in a fireworks warehouse on Jinnah Road, and estimates suggest that over 50 kilograms of explosive material may have been stored in the warehouse's basement. The powerful blast triggered a massive fire that spread rapidly, forcing pedestrians to flee for safety.
The incident is reminiscent of a similar explosion that occurred in the Punjab province in January, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of safety laws in the country. Pakistani authorities have stated that large quantities of raw materials used for fireworks were illegally stored at the site.
The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and the Sindh Explosives Department are responsible for the supervision and control of the storage of fireworks materials in Karachi. However, the recurrence of such incidents has led to criticism of the safety laws in Pakistan, with many questioning the effectiveness of these authorities in ensuring public safety.
In an effort to investigate the incident, the police have arrested two warehouse owners. The authorities are now conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and to hold those responsible accountable.
With over 20 million residents, the city of Karachi is a significant part of Pakistan. The recent explosion has renewed concerns about lax enforcement of safety laws in the country, and calls for stricter regulations are growing louder. As the investigation continues, it is hoped that the authorities will take necessary steps to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.