KARACHI: At least three people died while 17 others injured in an explosion near Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, local media reported.
According to a local television, the sound of the explosion was heard in different areas of Karachi, including Defence, Jamshed Road and Karimabad, with tv footage showing massive thick clouds of smoke and a blazing fire from the site.
All wounded have been shifted to Jinnah hospital for medical treatment. In a statement, Malir Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) has confirmed an explosion near the airport’s traffic signal. The police official stated that the initial reports suggested that an oil tanker blew up, engulfing a number of cars present at the spot. Reports said that law enforcement agencies and firefighters have reached the site after the blast.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has sought a detailed report from the police about the incident. “We need to ascertain the facts,” the statement added, ordering officials to provide best medical treatment to wounded people. The Chief Minister also ordered to not block any roads leading to and from the airport.
Talking with media, Home Minister Zia Ul Hassan Lanjar said that an investigation into the explosion has been launched, saying that CCTV footage was being acquired.
