Sheer intensity of explosion also damages nearby vehicles and shatters windows of surrounding buildings
KARACHI: At least one person was killed 34 others sustained injuries on Thursday after a powerful blast ripped through a shop beside a firecracker warehouse on MA Jinnah Road, leading to a massive blaze and intermittent explosions in the area.
The sheer intensity of the blast also damaged nearby vehicles and shattered windows of surrounding buildings, filling the area with heavy smoke drifting towards the Lines Area.
The ground-plus-two building housed medical equipment shops in addition to the firecracker warehouse. Authorities said flammable items, including oxygen cylinders, were being urgently removed to avert a larger catastrophe.
Police and Rangers swiftly cordoned off the site as rescue workers battled flames engulfing the godown. MA Jinnah Road near Sea Breeze Plaza was sealed from both sides to ensure public safety amid fears of further blasts.
Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed Tariq said that the number of injured persons reached 34.
She added that 20 wounded persons were brought to Jinnah Hospital and 14 others were taken to Civil Hospital while four of them are critical.
One of the victims injured in the warehouse explosion is in critical condition, according to the emergency in-charge at Jinnah Hospital.
This collage shows a high-intensity explosion at a firecracker warehouse, while another photo shows smoke from a fire that erupted in the building following the explosion at MA Jinnah Road, Karachi, August 21, 2025.
This collage shows a high-intensity explosion at a firecracker warehouse, while another photo shows smoke from a fire that erupted in the building following the explosion at MA Jinnah Road, Karachi, August 21, 2025.
Some of the injured had sustained burn wounds in the incident, and one patient in serious condition has been shifted for surgery, the official added
Ten of the wounded were rushed to Civil Hospital, while others received treatment at nearby facilities, he added. Many of the injuries were caused by window shrapnel.
After hours-long efforts, firefighting teams managed to douse the blaze at the warehouse. 10 fire tenders took part in the operation.
Rescue and fire brigade vehicles remained at the scene as the cooling process will be started shortly.
