Blast in New Karachi ice factory kills 8, injures 16

An explosion on Tuesday inside a boiler room within a factory in New Karachi Industrial Area resulted in the deaths of eight and injury to at least 16 people, police said.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Moeenuddin, the incident took place inside an ice and cold storage factory.

He said seven people were at work inside the factory when the blast occurred.

DSP Moeenuddin said that the building has been "extensively damaged" and nearby factories have also been affected. He said many people are likely buried underneath the factory's rubble.

Rescue officials at the site said that the roof of the building caved in after the blast.

Bystanders rushed to the site to help the affected as rescue teams arrived.

Officers of the police, Sindh Rangers and Karachi Municipal Corporation are all assisting rescue efforts.

According to Dr Salma Kausar from Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, 13 people injured were brought to the facility, of which four passed away.

She said one injured person was taken to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre.

Later, Karachi Administrator Laeeq Ahmed visited the hospital to inquire after those injured in the incident.

He said a rescue operation is underway.

Labour minister orders inquiry

Sindh Minister for Labour Saeed Ghani noted with grave concern reports of the incident and ordered the ministry's secretary to conduct a probe.

According to a statement by the labour ministry, a safety team from the labour department has been instructed to go to the factory.

Ghani has demanded that a report on the explosion be submitted within 24 hours.

The minister also got in touch with the area deputy commissioner, said the statement, adding that officials of all relevant departments were urged to provide speedy medical assistance to all those affected by the blast.

The statement further said that Ghani directed that the heirs of the deceased be promptly notified and arrangements be made for their burial.