KARACHI: At least three people were killed and 17 others injured in an oil tanker explosion near Jinnah International Airport here on Sunday night.
The fire that broke out after the explosion reduced three cars and four motorcycles parked nearby to ashes. The sound of the explosion was heard in areas around Karimabad, Defence and Jamshed Road.
Initially, there were conflicting reports about the identity of the deceased but authorities later confirmed that two Chinese engineers were among them.
Upon receiving the information, police and Rangers personnel reached the scene and began rescue operations. Rescue teams and fire brigade vehicles also reached the spot and extinguished the fire after a hectic effort of one hour.
DIG East told the media that three people were killed on the spot and 17 others suffered injuries. He also said three security officials, two Rangers personnel, one policeman, one foreigner and three civilians were among the injured. The dead and injured were shifted to a nearby hospital.
The proscribed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack through a statement on social media.
Meanwhile, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar declared it an act of terrorism. He said the terrorists targeted a car in which a foreigner was travelling and he got injured in the explosion.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah sought a detailed report from the police authorities. He also directed the district administration to provide best possible health facilities to the injured people.
CHINESE EMBASSY SLATES INCIDENT
The Chinese embassy said a convoy carrying Chinese nationals from the Port Qasim Electric Power Company came under attack near the airport.
“The Chinese Embassy and Consulate in Pakistan strongly condemn this terrorist act, express deep condolences to the victims of the two countries, and extend sincere condolences to the injured and their relatives,” said the embassy in a statement.
“The Chinese embassy and consulates in Pakistan remind Chinese citizens and companies in Pakistan to be vigilant, pay close attention to the local security situation, strengthen security measures, and make every effort to take safety precautions,” it added.
PM SHEHBAZ EXPRESSES SORROW
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed profound sorrow and shock over the tragic incident.
In a message on the social media platform X, PM Sharif said those responsible were enemies of Pakistan.
He noted that the blast resulted in the loss of two valuable Chinese lives and left one injured. He said the perpetrators would not go unpunished.
