KARACHI: At least six people sustained burn injuries on Wednesday following a gas explosion inside a garment factory located in Mehran Town, Sector 6-F, within the limits of the Korangi Industrial Area.
The Incident
According to Chhipa Foundation spokesperson Chaudhry Shahid, the fire broke out at a local company near Chhapra Hotel. The injured were initially rushed to Indus Hospital in Korangi for emergency treatment. However, due to the severity of their burns, doctors referred them to the Burns Ward at the Civil Hospital Trauma Centre.
Identification of the Victims
The victims have been identified as 40-year-old Zeeshan son of Shamshad, 65-year-old Nuro Gul son of Abdullah Jan, 25-year-old Ruben son of Johnson, 45-year-old Ahmed Yar son of Muhammad Bakhsh, 20-year-old Wasi son of Ahmed Yar, and 35-year-old Yasir son of Shamshad Ahmed.
Police Investigation and Cause
SHO Korangi Industrial Area, Nasir Mahmood, stated that the explosion was caused by a build-up of sewer gas. Preliminary investigations revealed that a new sewerage line had recently been installed at the factory, featuring a large, sealed chamber. During the Eid holidays, the factory remained closed, allowing gas to accumulate in the pipes. The gas reportedly leaked through a bathroom WC and filled an adjacent kitchen area.
“The explosion occurred the moment staff returned on Wednesday and switched on a kitchen light. The resulting spark ignited the accumulated gas, causing a powerful blast that damaged the walls and injured six people,” the SHO explained.
The factory management managed to control the subsequent fire using on-site fire extinguishers before it could spread further.
