The explosion at a fireworks warehouse on MA Jinnah Road in Karachi’s Saddar area on Thursday left at least six people dead and 32 injured.

Police have filed a case of attempted murder and culpable homicide at the Preedy police station, naming warehouse owner Hanif and Muhammad Ayub as suspects.

Hanif, who was under treatment at the Jinnah Hospital, has been arrested by the Police, while his brother Ayub ran away from the hospital last night.

Police couldn’t record the statement of suspect Hanif yet due to his critical condition.

Officials said that they are making efforts to arrest the escapee, Ayub.

The explosion occurred yesterday afternoon in a fireworks warehouse situated in the basement of Al-Amna Plaza, near Taj Complex, igniting a fire.

Among the deceased was Asad Shah, a madrasa student and resident of Patel Para. His uncle, Jamal Shah, reported that Asad entered the building to meet his brother, Afsar Shah, when the explosion occurred.

Injured individuals were transported to Jinnah Hospital and Civil Hospital, according to Police Surgeon Dr. Samia Syed.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and directed the Commissioner to ensure immediate medical care for the injured.

Eyewitnesses noted that the explosion damaged the building’s structural columns and walls, causing cement blocks to fall onto parked vehicles and shattering windows in nearby shops, schools, and residential buildings.

The fire was controlled with the assistance of twelve fire brigade vehicles, two water tankers, and a snorkel, successfully rescuing those trapped on the roof of the affected building.

Explosives found in warehouse

Chief Fire Officer Hamayun confirmed that the warehouse, identified as Super Fire Works, was storing raw materials for fireworks in the basement of Al-Amina Plaza. CTD In-Charge Raja Umar Khattab disclosed that the warehouse contained not only fireworks but also explosive materials.

Khattab stressed that while the materials are commonly referred to as fireworks, they include hazardous explosives.

He noted that the law prohibits storing more than 50 kilograms of such materials in any shop and deemed the presence of explosives in residential areas extremely dangerous.

CCTV footage from the incident has emerged, capturing the flames erupting immediately after the explosion and the ensuing panic as citizens fled the scene.