At least 34 injured in Karachi firecracker warehouse blast

KARACHI: At least 34 people were injured when a powerful explosion ripped through a firecracker warehouse on MA Jinnah Road near Saddar on Thursday, triggering a blaze that sent thick clouds of smoke billowing into the sky.

According to rescue officials, the blast occurred in the basement of a four-storey building, Al-Amna Plaza, where families reside on the upper floors.

The warehouse, operating under the name “Super Fireworks,” stored raw materials used in making firecrackers.

‘Material was not just ordinary fireworks’

Dawn reported that Counter Terrorism Department officer Raja Umar Khattab said the the material was not just ordinary fireworks but also explosive substances.

Speaking at the scene, he said, “Recently, two tonnes of explosive material were seized from the same vicinity.”

کراچی کے مصروف ترین ایم اے جناح روڈ میں پٹاخوں کی فیکٹری پھٹ گئی
زوردار دھماکے

اتنے مصروف علاقے میں دھماکہ خیز مواد رکھنے کی اجازت کس نے دی؟

pic.twitter.com/uhEQus1iww

— Dr Shama Junejo (@ShamaJunejo) August 21, 2025

He added that more than 50 kilogrammes of fireworks were likely stored in the basement — a dangerous amount in a residential area.

Short circuit sparks blast

A Rescue 1122 spokesperson said initial findings suggest an electrical short circuit ignited the highly inflammable stock, causing a massive explosion that damaged the building’s pillars and walls.

Heavy cement blocks fell onto parked vehicles while windowpanes of nearby buildings shattered from the blast.

He confirmed that 34 people were injured, with four to five in critical condition due to severe burns and blast effects.

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Firefighters from the KMC and Rescue 1122 deployed 12 fire tenders to battle the blaze, which kept reigniting due to the presence of explosive material in the basement.

Officials said 60 to 70 per cent of the fire had been controlled.

Sindh CM takes notice

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and directed authorities to ensure swift firefighting and medical relief.

“No manufacturing or storage of such hazardous material should be allowed in residential areas,” he said, instructing the Karachi commissioner to submit a detailed report.

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