KARACHI At least 34 people were injured in a powerful explosion at a firecracker warehouse on Karachi’s busy MA Jinnah Road near Sea Breeze Plaza (Numaish) on Thursday.
The blast triggered a massive fire and multiple smaller explosions, damaging vehicles and shattering windows in nearby buildings. Thick smoke filled the air, spreading towards the Lines Area, as chaos unfolded on the street.
Authorities quickly sealed off the area from both sides to prevent further harm, fearing more blasts. Firefighters battled the flames for hours using 10 fire tenders, and the cooling process is now underway. Rescue efforts were interrupted several times by ongoing explosions.
The affected building had medical supply shops along with the firecracker storage. Police said flammable materials like oxygen cylinders were being urgently removed to avoid a bigger disaster.
At least 20 of the injured were taken to Jinnah Hospital, while 14 others were shifted to Civil Hospital. Four people are said to be in critical condition, including one patient who was moved for emergency surgery after sustaining serious burn wounds.
DIG South confirmed that glass from shattered windows injured many people, including bystanders. A 70-year old man suffered a broken leg in the blast.
Police said the warehouse was owned by two brothers, both of whom were injured. Initial statements from one of the owners have been recorded for investigation.
Eyewitnesses described the moment as terrifying. “We saw people bleeding and ran to help. Then we called the fire brigade,” one man said.
A rescue worker, Shahid, said the explosion likely started from a gas cylinder in the back, where firecrackers were being packed. “It was like an explosives factory inside,” he said.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar said keeping explosives in crowded city areas is illegal and dangerous. He revealed that the same warehouse owner had been targeted earlier by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) for similar violations.
The minister added that the matter is under investigation, and strict action will be taken against anyone responsible.
Chief Minister Sindh, Murad Ali Shah, expressed serious concern over the incident, stating, “I don’t know who gave them the license to operate in a residential area this is extremely dangerous.” Speaking about the blast that occurred today at a fireworks warehouse on MA Jinnah Road, he emphasized the urgent need for stricter regulation and enforcement to prevent such tragedies. Authorities have advised citizens to avoid traveling near the affected areas due to ongoing rescue operations and potential safety hazards.
Currently Access to Numaish Chowrangi has also been restricted and closed from one route as a precautionary measure.
