Explosion near Karachi airport leaves two foreign nationals dead, scores injured

A suspected improvised explosive device (IED) blast near Karachi airport on late Sunday night killed two foreign nationals and wounded at least 17, while several vehicles were also destroyed after catching fire.

Speaking to Geo News, Home Minister Zia Ul Hassan Lanjar said an investigation into the explosion has been launched, adding that CCTV footage was being acquired.

“Reports are suggesting that it was IED explosion,” he claimed. 

Sources claimed that the sound of the explosion was heard in different areas of the city, including Karimabad, Defence and Jamshed Road, with television footage showing massive thick clouds of smoke and a blazing fire from the site.

All injured have been transferred to Jinnah hospital for emergency treatment.

In a statement, Malir Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) confirmed a huge explosion near the airport’s traffic signal.

Initial reports suggested that an oil tanker blew up, engulfing a number of vehicles present at the site, the police official said.

Law enforcement agencies and firefighters have reached the spot.

Rescue officials claimed that one person and several others have sustained injuries in the blast and shifted to hospital. 

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has sought a detailed report from the Malir SSP regarding the incident. The CM ordered to not block road leading to and from the airport.

“We need to ascertain the facts,” the statement said, ordering authorities to provide best medical treatment to injured people.