KARACHI A cylinder explosion in a building in Karachi’s Soldier Bazaar area has killed 16 people and injured 15 others. A case has been registered at the Soldier Bazaar police station, and the building’s plot owner, Mahmood Irshad, has been arrested. The blast occurred in the area of Aga Khan School near Street No 5 in Rana Colony, Soldier Bazaar, on the first floor of the building on Wednesday night, causing part of the building to collapse, rescue sources said. According to rescue sources, a 10-year-old girl, identified as Nazia, and a 60-year-old Mohammad Riaz were among the dead. Rescue officials said the body of a woman was also recovered from under the rubble, while identification of another victim was being ascertained.

Source: The Patriot February 20, 2026 12:29 UTC