Rescue workers load a body into an ambulance after pulling a body from the rubble following a gas explosion at an apartment building in Karachi, Pakistan, on February 19, 2026. | Photo credit: AP
At least 16 people, including many children, were killed and 14 injured when an explosion ripped through a residential building in Karachi, Pakistan, on Thursday morning (February 19, 2026) due to a suspected gas leakage.
“The blast took place on the first floor of a building located in the Old Soldier Bazar area around 4:30 a.m. Sehri time when everyone was awake,” said police officer Jamshed Asher.
Pakistan is celebrating the first day of Ramzan today.
It seems that the explosion was caused by gas leakage.
Due to gas shortage in Pakistan’s largest city, many families are using liquid petroleum gas cylinders at their homes especially in low income residential areas.
Police Surgeon Dr. Samaiah Syed confirmed that 14 dead bodies have been recovered from the blast site so far and 14 injured are undergoing treatment.
Due to the explosion, a part of the structure of the building collapsed.
“We are still searching through the rubble and debris to see if there are any more bodies or survivors,” said Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan.
At least nine children between the ages of two and 17 were among the dead, while seven were injured.
This is the second biggest tragedy in Karachi. Last month, a fire broke out in the basement of Gul Shopping Plaza, a wholesale and retail market in Saddar area, killing at least 79 people and injuring several others.
Published – February 19, 2026 02:44 pm IST
