Gas Explosion in Sewage System in Karachi, Pakistan...At Least 12 Dead

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] At a bank in Karachi, a major city in southern Pakistan, a building collapsed due to a sewage gas explosion, resulting in at least 12 deaths. Local police stated that no connection to terrorism was found, and it is presumed that gas leaked into the sewage system and accumulated before exploding.

According to foreign media including the AP on the 18th (local time), a sewage gas explosion occurred at a bank branch located in the Sersha district of Karachi, Pakistan, killing at least 12 people and injuring 11. At the time of the explosion, the bank branch was reportedly crowded with people, raising concerns that the casualty count may increase as the situation is brought under control.

Local Pakistani police authorities estimate that the explosion happened because gas leaked and accumulated in the sewage system beneath the bank building, and ignited for unknown reasons. Pakistani police have stated that they will announce the exact cause of the accident after investigations by explosives experts. Although Pakistani authorities have not ruled out the possibility of terrorism by extremists, no evidence of terrorism has been found so far.

It is believed that the disaster is more likely due to outdated urban infrastructure such as illegal construction and aging sewage systems rather than terrorism. The AP quoted a local official saying, "In Karachi, many buildings have been illegally constructed over sewage systems, and the damaged building had previously received a demolition notice."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.