One person was killed and 11 others, including a foreign national, were injured when an explosion occurred near Karachi airport on Sunday night. The blast resulted in at least 10 vehicles catching fire, according to officials.
Crime Investigation Department (CID) Director General Asif Ejaz Shaikh told Dawn.com that the cause of the explosion was unclear at this stage. However, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar, speaking to Geo News, suggested that a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) caused the blast, injuring a foreigner as well.
Earlier, a statement from Lanjar’s office indicated that a tanker explosion had occurred on Airport Road. The home minister confirmed he was in contact with the Malir senior superintendent of police (SSP) to get more details. “We need to establish the facts,” the statement added.
Hassaan Khan, an official from Sindh Government’s Rescue-1122, informed Dawn.com that one body and multiple injured individuals had been transported to a hospital. He added that 10 vehicles were damaged in the fire, with four completely destroyed.
Dr. Summaiya Syed, a police surgeon, confirmed that 10 injured individuals, including one in critical condition, were brought to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC). Among the injured were a police constable and a woman.
‘Airport assets safe, flight operations normal’
According to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) spokesperson Saifullah, the explosion took place on Model Colony Road near the airport. He reassured that the airport’s infrastructure and operations were unaffected. Flight schedules remained as planned.
Firefighting vehicles from the airport were dispatched to the scene, and relevant authorities were investigating the cause of the blast, the spokesperson added.
Explosion heard in distant areas
DawnNews TV reported that the explosion was heard across various parts of Karachi, including North Nazimabad, II Chundrigar Road, and Karimabad. Some cars caught fire due to the explosion.
Although no official confirmation of the exact blast site has been made, DawnNews TV stated that the area around the airport was cordoned off, and a search operation was underway. Entry and exit points of the airport were closed by law enforcement agencies.
Rescue 1122 Sindh’s spokesperson said that the Central Command and Control of Rescue 1122 responded immediately, sending a team and ambulances to the scene.
Government response
Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tesori took notice of the explosion and requested a report from the Inspector General of Sindh Police. He expressed his concern over the injuries and directed that the best medical care be provided to the victims.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also instructed authorities to ensure the injured receive top medical treatment.
Traffic diversion
Following the police’s cordoning of the area, Karachi Traffic Police issued a diversion notice advising drivers to use alternate routes. Traffic was being redirected from the airport to Model Graveyard and Super Highway, and from Malir Halt to Sharea Faisal and Quaidabad.
This is an evolving situation, and updates will follow as more information becomes available. Initial media reports may sometimes lack complete accuracy, but we will aim to provide verified details from credible sources.
