The death toll from an explosion at a fireworks warehouse in the Pakistani city of Karachi has risen to four, authorities confirmed on Friday, with more than 30 others injured.
The warehouse and some nearby shops caught fire after the initial blast, which was followed by several smaller explosions, forcing residents to flee for safety. "I thought several bombs have exploded," resident Aqib Khan told reporters.
The impact of the blast was strong enough to shatter glass in neighbouring shops, peppering people in the street with shards of glass.
At least 34 injured people were admitted to hospitals, said police official Summaiya Tariq, adding that four of those died overnight.
Smoke billowed from a multi-storey building as firefighters worked to put out a blaze, local news channels showed. There was no indication as to what caused the initial explosion.
Closed-circuit camera footage aired by local television channel Geo News showed people running for safety and motorists turning their vehicles around in haste.
The explosion came a day after intense monsoon rains flooded the city.
Karachi is Pakistan's financial capital and is home to more than 20 million people.
Firefighters work to douse a fire that broke out at a firecracker warehouse in Karachi on August 21, 2025. — AFP
— Geo English (@geonews_english) August 21, 2025
Read more: https://t.co/GVUNcy2c2J#GeoNews pic.twitter.com/pFF6PFNQDh
US and Iran exchange attacks as lull in war appears over
Malta court clears businessman over murder of investigative journalist
Kuwait confirms no injuries after Iranian drone hits residential complex
Nepal flood rescue hopes dim as China restores access to Tibet disaster zone
At least 21 die in bus accident in Egypt's South Sinai, ministry says
Defendant pleads not guilty in Charlie Kirk capital murder case
Nepal flood death toll crosses 1,000, rescuers reach remote areas
UK pledges additional £50 million to help contain Ebola outbreak in Congo
