KARACHI, Feb 19, 2026 — At least 16 people, including women and children, were killed and 18 others injured after a gas explosion caused part of a residential building to collapse in Gul Rana Colony, Soldier Bazaar, early Thursday morning.
Officials said the explosion occurred around 4:15am during Sehri on the first floor of a ground-plus-three-storey building constructed on a small plot in a congested locality. The blast destroyed the structure, trapping residents under the rubble. The injured and deceased were shifted to Civil Hospital Karachi.
Rescue 1122 spokesperson Hassaanul Haseeb Khan said teams carried out the operation manually due to narrow streets and limited access for heavy machinery. Authorities ruled out sabotage, with bomb disposal officials confirming the explosion was caused by a gas leak triggered by a lit match. Faulty gas fittings and plastic pipes were reportedly installed in the building.
Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed confirmed that most victims died due to severe head and crush injuries. Rescue officials stated the structure was in a dilapidated condition and not a legal construction.
Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident, directed authorities to ensure immediate rescue and medical assistance, and ordered an investigation. The provincial government has also arranged temporary rehabilitation and relief for affected families.
Separately, Asif Ali Zardari and Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the loss of lives and called for strict enforcement of building safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies.
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