KARACHI: Three among two foreigners were killed while 11 others, including security personnel were injured when an explosion occured near Karachi Airport with at least 10 vehicles catching fire, according to officials.

Crime Investigation Department Director General Asif Ejaz Shaikh told that "Nothing was clear about nature of explosion at this moment."

However, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar said that explosion was caused by suspected improvised explosive device, in which one foreigner was also injured.  "We need to ascertain facts," statement said.

Sindh Government's Rescue-1122 official Hassaan Khan said that one body and several injured persons have been shifted to hospital and that 10 vehicles were damaged in fire after explosion with four cars completely destroyed.

Meanwhile, Police surgeon Dr Summaiya confirmed, "Ten injured persons, including one in critical condition, have been brought Jinnah Postgraduate Medical College".

She added that among injured persons, one was police constable and one woman. Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson Saifullah said in statement that "Blast/accident had taken place on Model Colony Road near Airport while Airport's building and assets were safe."

"Airport administration has sent fire tender vehicles to spot immediately while concerned institutions were investigating reasons of explosion/accident," statement said.

"Sound was heard as far as North Nazimabad, II Chundrigar Road and Karimabad, among other areas," he said, adding that some cars also caught fire because of explosion.  While no details have yet surfaced regarding exact location of blast, report said that entire area surrounding Airport has been cordoned off while search operation is in progress.

Spokesman for Rescue 1122 Sindh said in statement that Central Command and Control Rescue 1122 received information and team of Rescue 1122 along with ambulance have reached scene.

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori took notice of explosion and requested an incident report from IG Sindh Police. He expressed regret over injuries and ordered that best medical aid be provided to injured at respective institutions, said statement from his office.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also took notice of incident and ordered that injured be provided with best medical aid.Following police cordoning off area near Airport, Karachi Traffic Police issued an alert advising motorists to take alternate routes.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 07 2024

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