KARACHI — A devastating gas explosion ripped through a residential building in Karachi’s Soldier Bazaar neighborhood in the early hours of Thursday, February 19, 2026, claiming the lives of at least 16 people and leaving many others injured. The tragedy occurred around 4:15 AM, a time when many families in the Gul Rana Colony were awake and preparing Sehri (the pre-dawn meal) for the first day of Ramadan.
1. Key Details of the Incident
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Location: A three-story residential building in the densely populated Gul Rana Colony, Soldier Bazaar, Karachi.
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The Cause: Preliminary investigations suggest a severe gas leak on the first floor. The explosion was likely triggered when a resident lit a match or stove for cooking.
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The Victims: Of the 16 deceased, many are reported to be women and children. Rescue officials noted that eight minors were among the dead.
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Structural Damage: The force of the blast caused the “ground-plus-two” structure to partially collapse. Authorities noted the building was an illegal construction.
2. Challenges Faced During Rescue Operations
Rescue 1122 and local disaster response teams faced immense difficulty reaching the site due to the narrow streets and the highly congested nature of the neighborhood. Workers had to use manual tools and their bare hands to sift through the rubble to find survivors.
“The building consisted of small, individual rooms, which made rescue efforts extremely challenging due to the limited space and the risk of further collapse,” stated a spokesperson for Rescue 1122.
3. Urban Safety and the Recurring Crisis in Karachi
This incident has reignited a fierce debate over urban safety and the prevalence of illegal structures in Pakistan’s largest city.
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Gas Shortages: Residents often rely on high-risk LPG cylinders or substandard gas fittings due to inconsistent main-line pressure.
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Safety Codes: This is the second major tragedy in Karachi this year, following the Gul Plaza fire in January.
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Dangerous Buildings: The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has previously identified over 500 buildings in the city as “dangerous.”
4. Official Government Response and Inquiry
President Asif Ali Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed deep grief over the loss of life. The Chief Minister has ordered an immediate inquiry into the incident and directed the Karachi Commissioner to provide a detailed report on the legality of the structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When did the Karachi gas explosion occur?
The explosion happened around 4:15 AM on February 19, 2026, during Sehri on the first day of Ramadan.
2. Where did the explosion take place?
It occurred in Gul Rana Colony, Soldier Bazaar, Karachi.
3. What caused the explosion?
Preliminary reports suggest a severe gas leak that ignited when a stove or match was lit.
4. How many people died in the incident?
At least 16 people lost their lives, including eight minors.
5. Why were rescue operations difficult?
Narrow streets, congested surroundings, and the building’s small-room structure made rescue efforts challenging.
6. Was the building legally constructed?
Authorities reported the ground-plus-two building was an illegal construction.
7. What has the government said about the tragedy?
President Asif Ali Zardari and Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah expressed grief and ordered an inquiry.
8. Are there other dangerous buildings in Karachi?
The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has identified over 500 buildings as dangerous in the city.
