Karachi’s Sher Shah Paracha Chowk hit by blasts: Multiple casualties and injuries

Police say gas pipeline exploded next to drainage pipeline under private bank, SNGPL denies

Two blasts occurred near Karachi’s Sher Shah Paracha Chowk today, with the first one resulting in 17 casualties and 22 people being wounded according to initial reports.

According to media reports, the blast occurred due to presence of gas in the nearest drain, and one of the dead, Dilawar Khan, was the father of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Member of National Assembly Alamgir Khan (Founder Fixit) as confirmed by party leader Khurram Sher Zaman. Reportedly, he had gone to the bank for some transactions.

Police had initially said that a gas pipeline exploded next to a drainage pipeline under a private bank.

However, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited has denied that a gas pipeline had exploded.

A report by the bomb disposal squad, released later, stated that the explosion occurred due to leakage of gas and build-up of gases under the bank.

The blast destroyed the building of the private bank along with several cars.

The second blast occurred during the rescue operation and did not result in any casualties.

Rescue teams and squads of police reached the spot, while the area was cordoned off by the Rangers.