Sky-bound flames were seen on M.A. Jinnah Road as a fire broke out after a massive explosion in a firecracker warehouse on Thursday. At least two people have lost their lives, and over 30 are injured.

One of the injured, Kashif, aged 32, succumbed to injuries in Jinnah Hospital while being under treatment.

Earlier, rescue teams had recovered the body of a young man, Asad Shah, a madrassa student and resident of Patel Para, from the building. According to his uncle, Jamal Shah, Asad had lost his father and had gone to meet his brother, Afzar Shah, inside the building when the explosion occurred.

According to rescue sources, firefighters deployed 12 fire tenders to control the blaze.

At least 30 have been injured so far, and emergency teams have shifted the injured to a nearby hospital for treatment.

According to Police Surgeon Dr. Samia Tariq, 17 of the injured were shifted to Jinnah Hospital and 10 others to Civil Hospital. Four of those admitted to Jinnah Hospital are said to be in critical condition.

A medical emergency has been imposed at the Jinnah Hospital.

Eyewitnesses said the blast was so powerful that it damaged the pillars and walls of the building, while cement blocks crashed onto parked vehicles. Windows of nearby buildings, shops, schools, and cars were also shattered. Several people were injured by flying glass.

Chief Fire Officer Humayun said the basement of Al Amna Plaza, located near Taj Medical Complex, housed a warehouse under the name Super Fireworks. The facility was being used to store raw materials for the production of firecrackers.

In charge CTD Raja Umar Khattab reached the site explosion and fire at the firecracker warehouse on MA Jinnah Road.

Speaking to the media, he said storing such flammable material in a populated area was a “clear violation of SOPs.”

He revealed that a few months ago, authorities had recovered around two tons of explosive material from the same location.

Khattab added that strict action would be taken against the warehouse owner.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and directed authorities to bring the fire under control at the earliest.

He further instructed that the injured be provided with immediate medical assistance and ordered a detailed inquiry report once the fire is extinguished.

Authorities are making efforts to prevent any further loss of life or property.