More casualties are feared as several people were reportedly trapped under the rubble of the collapsed building.
In an unfortunate incident, at least four people were killed and five others injured when a powerful explosion leveled an illegal fireworks warehouse near Leghari Goth at the Darya Bachao Bund site in Hyderabad.
Authorities fear the death toll could rise as the factory building completely collapsed, leaving several people possibly trapped under the rubble.
The explosion occurred around 4 pm in a house converted into a warehouse situated in the middle of agricultural fields near UC-99, opposite Latifabad No. 10. The impact was so intense that its echo was heard in Kohsar and multiple areas of Latifabad. The structure was instantly razed, sparking a massive fire and sending debris, including human body parts, across a wide radius.
Residents were the first to arrive at the scene, where they discovered that the collapsed building was being used as an illegal fireworks manufacturing and storage unit. Locals said that normally seven to eight people worked at the facility and that the firecrackers continued to detonate for a long time after the explosion.
Rescue teams from Edhi Foundation and Rescue 1122 reached the scene soon after the explosion. According to Miraj Qureshi, head of the Edhi Centre, four bodies were pulled out of the rubble, while five injured people were taken to a hospital. Four of them were later taken to the burn ward due to critical injuries.
Deputy Commissioner Hyderabad Zain-ul-Abideen, Deputy Commissioner Saud Baloch and other officials also reached the spot and started supervising the rescue operations. Authorities cleared the large crowd gathered at the site to facilitate the removal of debris.
UC President Imran Bashir said Express News that the warehouse was often staffed by workers from nearby Kolhi Goth. He confirmed that four bodies have been recovered so far. Eyewitnesses said they often saw four workers (Mushtaq, Waqas, Kashif and Anas) inside the facility, although it is unclear how many were present at the time of the explosion.
Residents noted that although the explosion site was far from populated areas, a much greater tragedy could have occurred if the illegal factory had been operating within a residential locality.
Speaking to the media, Deputy Commissioner Zain-ul-Abideen said authorities were tracking down the owner who had set up illegal storage of fireworks on government land. “Our first priority is to complete the rescue operation. Once the debris is removed, we will assess if there are more victims,” he added.
The DC further said that after consulting the SSP Hyderabad, a search operation would be launched at different places to identify how the fireworks material was being illegally supplied and stored. He said OGRA and its technical teams would also be consulted during the investigation. He urged the public to immediately report any location in their area where fireworks or explosive materials are illegally stored.
Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah sought a detailed report on the incident from the commissioner and deputy commissioner of Hyderabad. He ordered authorities to ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical treatment and promised strict action against those responsible.
Additionally, Governor Kamran Tessori expressed grief over the tragedy and directed the affected departments to submit a full report. He also assured that those responsible will be held accountable.
