Death Toll Rises in Karachi Firecracker Warehouse Explosion

The number of fatalities resulting from Thursday’s explosion at a firecracker storage facility on MA Jinnah Road in Karachi has climbed to six. This occurred after another individual, who had sustained injuries in the blast, died while receiving medical care.

Authorities have stated that the warehouse proprietor, Muhammad Hanif, also known as Patakha Wala, who was injured during the incident, has been taken into custody from the hospital. His brother, Ayub, also suffered injuries but absconded from Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) on Friday night and is currently a fugitive. Law enforcement agencies are conducting operations to capture Ayub.

Both siblings have been named in the First Information Report (FIR) filed at Preedy police station, facing accusations including manslaughter, negligence, and endangering human lives.

According to investigating officers, Hanif was importing firecrackers from various cities and overseas, in addition to manufacturing explosive materials on the premises.

Rescue teams and police representatives verified that four bodies were initially located at the site immediately after the detonation, while two of the wounded later died while in treatment, bringing the total deaths to six. Over 30 individuals were injured and transported to Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital and JPMC, with many suffering severe burns.

A report from the bomb disposal unit indicated that approximately 500 kilograms of firecrackers were involved in the explosion, which was audible from a distance of up to seven kilometers. The blast caused extensive damage within a 100-meter radius, affecting the building itself, adjacent businesses, and parked vehicles.

Officials have revealed that three additional storage rooms within the same building still house fireworks materials, and two containers filled with explosive substances were discovered on nearby land. Authorities estimate that around 5,000 kilograms of fireworks remain at the location and have advised immediate safe disposal.

The rescue operation persisted throughout Friday, with police, fire department personnel, and district administration teams present at the location.