Karachi Gas Explosion Building Collapse: 16 Dead on First Day of Ramadan
A devastating Karachi gas explosion and building collapse has claimed the lives of at least 16 people, including many children, in the early hours of Thursday, February 19, 2026. The tragedy occurred in the Old Soldier Bazaar area of Karachi’s District East. As families were awake preparing for the first Sehri of Ramadan, a massive blast ripped through a residential building, causing it to partially collapse and trap residents under the debris.
Tragedy During Sehri
The explosion took place around 4:15 AM on the first floor of a ground-plus-two-storey structure in Gul Rana Colony. According to police officials, the blast was so powerful that it shook nearby buildings, spreading panic throughout the neighborhood. Rescuers from Rescue 1122 and the Chhipa Welfare Association rushed to the scene to pull victims from the rubble.
Local authorities confirmed that the building was in a dilapidated state and contained small, single-room units, which made the search and rescue operation extremely challenging. Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams are still working to ensure no one remains trapped beneath the girders and concrete slabs.
Victims and Casualties
The Karachi gas explosion building collapse has been particularly heartbreaking due to the high number of young victims.
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Total Deaths: 16 (including 8–9 children and 4 women).
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Injured: 14 people, currently receiving treatment at Civil Hospital’s Trauma Centre.
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Ages: The deceased include children as young as two years old.
Among the identified victims are 60-year-old Riaz, 10-year-old Sajjad, and 17-year-old Afshan. Most of the injured are also reported to be in critical condition due to burn injuries and trauma from the falling structure.
Causes and Safety Concerns
Preliminary investigations suggest the blast was caused by a gas leakage, likely from a cylinder or a gas suction machine. Because of chronic gas shortages in Karachi, many lower-income households rely on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders, which frequently lead to safety hazards.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has taken notice of the incident, ordering a full investigation into the “illegal” status of the building. This disaster follows a major fire at Gul Shopping Plaza last month, highlighting a severe lack of building safety enforcement in the city.
