Building Collapse in Soldier Bazar: At least 16 Dead in Gas Explosion During Sehri Time

At least 16 people, including four children and three women, died in a gas cylinder explosion that collapsed a residential building in Karachi’s Soldier Bazaar No. 3 on February 19, 2026. Fourteen injured reached Civil Hospital as Rescue 1122 continues search for trapped victims amid narrow streets.

A devastating gas cylinder explosion in Karachi’s Soldier Bazaar No. 3 area claimed at least 16 lives early Thursday during Sehri time in Ramadan. The blast triggered the collapse of a residential building in Gul Rana Colony near Street No. 5 and Aga Khan School. Rescue teams continue operations amid fears of more trapped victims.

A cylinder blast or gas suction machine leak on the first floor ripped through a three-storey (or two-storey per some accounts) building around Sehri. The intense force collapsed parts of the structure completely.

Deputy Commissioner East Nasrullah Abbasi confirmed the explosion’s severity damaged the building beyond repair. Narrow streets hamper rescue efforts with heavy equipment. Authorities check the structure’s legality while police rule out foul play for now.

Families wait anxiously at the site and hospital. This tragedy strikes during Ramadan in a congested Karachi neighbourhood.