What Caused the Death Toll in Karachi's Building Collapse to Rise to 13?
Synopsis
In a devastating incident in Karachi, a gas explosion has resulted in the tragic collapse of a residential building, claiming at least 13 lives, including women and children. Emergency services are currently engaged in search and rescue operations. Discover the unfolding details of this catastrophe and the response from local authorities.
Key Takeaways
13 fatalities reported in the building collapse.
Incident likely caused by a gas explosion .
Rescue operations are ongoing.
Sindh Chief Minister has ordered an investigation.
Local authorities are working to enhance building safety regulations.
Islamabad, Feb 19 (NationPress) Tragically, at least 13 individuals, which includes women and children, have lost their lives and another 13 have sustained injuries after a suspected gas explosion led to the collapse of a residential building in the Soldier Bazaar locality of Karachi, Pakistan, as reported by local media on Thursday, referencing rescue teams.
The unfortunate event occurred at a residence in Gul Raza Colony, situated in the Soldier Bazaar area of Karachi. Those injured and deceased were promptly transported to Civil Hospital, as highlighted by Pakistan's prominent newspaper, Dawn.
A spokesperson from District East police indicated, "Preliminary reports suggest that the explosion was caused by a gas leak, leading to a portion of the building collapsing."
According to Rescue 1122, ongoing search and rescue efforts are in progress, with a specialized urban search and rescue team and a disaster response vehicle deployed to the scene. Furthermore, the police spokesperson noted that law enforcement and rescue personnel arrived promptly after being alerted about the incident.
Officials have reported that the area has been cordoned off by the police, and rescue teams have initiated their operations.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has expressed concern over the incident, directing the relevant authorities to swiftly rescue individuals trapped beneath the debris and ensure that the injured receive the best medical care possible, per a statement from the CM House.
He has also instructed the Karachi commissioner to investigate the cause of this tragic event.
Earlier, on January 17, a catastrophic fire broke out at a shopping mall in Karachi, resulting in the deaths of at least 80 people, with several others unaccounted for.
The fire erupted at the Gul Plaza shopping center located on Muhammad Ali Jinnah Road, rapidly engulfing the multistory commercial building, leading to numerous fatalities and injuries, along with substantial damage.
In August of the previous year, a gas explosion caused the collapse of an office belonging to the Awami National Party (ANP) in Orangi town, injuring four of its workers, as reported by Dawn.
In July of last year, a five-story building in the Lyari area of Karachi collapsed, claiming the lives of at least 27 individuals and injuring 10 others. Authorities had previously declared the building uninhabitable due to its deteriorating condition. A statement from the Sindh Building Control Authority indicated that 588 buildings in Karachi had been deemed dangerous.
Point of View
It is important to address the alarming frequency of such tragic incidents in our cities. With the rising number of casualties from building collapses and fires, there is an urgent need for stricter safety regulations and more robust enforcement to protect our citizens. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.
NationPress
11 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the building collapse in Karachi?
The building collapse in Karachi was caused by a suspected gas explosion, believed to be due to a gas leak.
How many people were affected by the incident?
At least 13 individuals lost their lives, including women and children, and another 13 were injured.
What actions are being taken by authorities?
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has ordered an immediate rescue operation and an investigation into the incident.
Where were the injured taken for treatment?
The injured individuals were taken to Civil Hospital for medical assistance.
Has this type of incident happened before in Karachi?
Yes, there have been previous incidents of building collapses and fires in Karachi, highlighting ongoing safety concerns.
