Karachi: At least three people were killed and several others were injured after a massive explosion occurred near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport in Pakistan on Sunday. As per reports, the blast killed two workers from China and injured at least eight, officials from both countries said. Police and the provincial government said a tanker exploded outside the airport, which is Pakistan’s biggest.
As per local media reports, the explosion occurred in an oil tanker close to the airport and at least 10 vehicles parked nearby caught fire as a result of the explosion. “Four injured persons, including one in critical condition, have been brought to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical College (JPMC),” said local media quoted police surgeon Summaiya Syed as saying.
Videos showed flames engulfing cars and a thick column of smoke rising from the scene. There was a heavy military deployment at the site, which was cordoned off.
“A large explosion ripped through an oil tanker near Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport on Sunday, spreading thick clouds of smoke across the area,” said a report.
Police, Rangers, and rescue teams quickly arrived at the scene to secure the area and assist those affected. Firefighters are currently battling the blaze, working to extinguish flames that engulfed nearby vehicles. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, as per reports.
Deputy Inspector General East Azfar Mahesar said, “According to initial information, an oil tanker caught fire which spread to several other vehicles causing collateral damage. We are determining if there was an element of terrorism involved which we cannot rule out at the moment.”
Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy issued a statement saying that a convoy carrying Chinese staff of the Port Qasim Electric Power Company (Private) Limited had been attacked around 11 pm, killing two Chinese and injuring one other. It said there were Pakistani casualties as well.
The provincial home minister, Zia Ul Hassan, told local TV station Geo that the explosion was an attack targeting foreigners.
Thousands of Chinese workers are in Pakistan , most of them involved in Beijing’s multibillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative that connects south and central Asia with the Chinese capital.
The Chinese statement called the explosion a “terrorist attack” and said that China is working with Pakistan to handle the aftermath. It called for a thorough investigation to punish the perpetrators and reminded Chinese citizens in the country to take safety precautions. “The Chinese Embassy and Consulates General in Pakistan strongly condemn this terrorist attack (and) express deep condolences to the innocent victims of both countries,” the statement said.
Deputy Inspector General East Azfar Mahesar told media that it seemed like it was an oil tanker explosion. “We are determining the nature and reasons for the blast. It takes time.” Police officers were among the injured, he added.
The home minister and inspector general also visited the blast site, but they did not talk to the media. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has sought for a detailed report from the police chief on the incident and directed the authorities to ensure the best medical treatment for the injured, said a report.
Rahat Hussain, who works in the civil aviation department, said the blast was so big that it shook the airport’s buildings.
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