Explosion near Karachi airport after oil tanker catches fire

KARACHI: A large explosion occurred after an oil tanker caught fire near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport on Sunday night.

The blast caused panic in the surrounding area. Police and emergency response teams reached the scene to ascertain what caused the blast.

Television footage showed smoke billowing from an area near the airport, with flames visible on the road.

The explosion was reportedly heard in distant neighborhoods, including North Nazimabad, II Chundrigar Road, and Karimabad.

According to HUM TV, firefighters have been dispatched to extinguish the blaze. Police and local authorities have stated that no casualties have been reported so far, though two people were injured in the blast.

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According to some TV channels, several vehicles parked nearby the oil tanker caught fire.

Sindh Rescue 1122 spokesman said in a statement that its Central Command and Control received the alert, dispatching a team and ambulance to the scene.

In a separate statement, Sindh Home Minister Zia Ul Hassan Lanjar said a tanker had exploded on Airport Road. He added that he was in contact with the Malir Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) regarding the incident.

“We need to ascertain the facts,” his office said.

The area has been cordoned off for safety, and investigation is under way to determine the cause of the blast, police said.