A powerful explosion at a fireworks warehouse near Saddar Parking Plaza on MA Jinnah Road killed two people and injured more than 30 others on Thursday afternoon. The blast, which occurred around 3:30 p.m. inside Al-Amena Plaza, sent fireballs into the air and was heard several kilometers away.
Rescue teams recovered the charred body of 16-year-old Asad, a madrassa student who had gone to visit his brother working nearby. His brother, Afser Shah, was also among the injured. Another victim, 32-year-old Kashif, died during treatment.
Hospitals confirmed that 20 injured were brought to Jinnah Hospital and 14 to Civil Hospital, many with severe burn injuries.
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Fire brigade units deployed eight tenders and a snorkel to douse the flames as smaller explosions continued. Several shops and vehicles were destroyed, leaving shopkeepers in tears over heavy financial losses. Eyewitnesses described firecracker shells scattering across the road and flames striking bystanders, including a motorcyclist whose bike was burned to ashes.
Officials condemned the illegal storage of fireworks in the warehouse, noting that no permit had been issued for keeping such large quantities of explosives. The Counter-Terrorism Department said the same location had previously been raided, and authorities confirmed that far more than the 50-kilogram legal limit was being stored.
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Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah ordered the best medical care for victims, while Home Minister Ziaul Haq Lanjar directed police to investigate whether the warehouse was operating without a valid license.
