More casualties are feared with several people reportedly trapped under the rubble of the collapsed building
In an unfortunate incident, at least four people were killed and five others injured when a heavy blast ripped through an illegal fireworks warehouse near Leghari Goth at Darya Bachao Bund site in Hyderabad.
Officials fear the death toll could rise as the factory building completely collapsed, leaving several people possibly trapped under the debris.
The explosion took place around 4:00 PM in a house-turned-warehouse situated amidst agricultural fields near UC-99, opposite Latifabad No. 10. The impact was so intense that its echoes were heard across Kohsar and several areas of Latifabad. The structure was flattened instantly, sparking a massive fire and sending debris—including human body parts—across a wide radius.
Residents were the first to arrive at the scene where they discovered the collapsed building was being used as an illegal fireworks manufacturing and storage unit. Locals said seven to eight people usually worked in the facility and fireworks continued to detonate for a long time after the explosion.
Rescue teams from Edhi Foundation and Rescue 1122 reached the spot soon after the blast. According to Edhi Center manager Miraj Qureshi, four bodies had been pulled from the rubble, while five injured were shifted to a hospital. Four of them were later moved to the Burns Ward due to critical injuries.
Deputy Commissioner Hyderabad Zain-ul-Abideen, Assistant Commissioner Saud Baloch and other officials also reached the spot and started supervising rescue operations. Authorities cleared the large crowd that had gathered at the site to facilitate debris removal.
UC chairman Imran Bashir told that Express news that the warehouse was often staffed by laborers from nearby Kolhi Goth. He confirmed that four bodies had been recovered so far. Witnesses said they often saw four workers – Mushtaq, Waqas, Kashif and Anas – inside the facility, although it is unclear how many were present at the time of the blast.
Residents noted that although the blast site was away from populated areas, a far greater tragedy could have occurred if the illegal factory had been operating in a residential area.
Speaking to the media, Deputy Commissioner Zain-ul-Abideen said the authorities traced the owner who had set up the illegal fireworks storage on the government land. “Our first priority is to complete the rescue operation. Once the debris is cleared, we will assess whether there are more victims,” he added.
The DC further said that after consulting the SSP Hyderabad, a search operation would be launched across various locations to identify how fireworks materials were supplied and stored illegally. He said OGRA and its technical team would also be consulted during the inquiry. He urged the public to immediately report any place in their area where fireworks or explosive materials are illegally stored.
Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah sought a detailed report on the incident from the Hyderabad Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner. He directed the authorities to ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical treatment and promised strict action against those responsible.
Additionally, Governor Kamran Tessori expressed grief over the tragedy and directed the affected departments to submit a comprehensive report. He also assured that those responsible would be held accountable.
