An explosion in a gas cylinder shop in Hyderabad's Preetabad area has claimed the lives of seven people and left at least 52 others injured, six of whom are in critical condition.
The blast occurred in a densely populated area, with locals and rescue workers rushing to the scene to assist the victims. The seven victims included five children. Six of the victims died in Burns ward of Hyderabad's Civil Hospital, while one of the injured died on the way to Karachi.
The crime scene was cordoned off, while the funeral prayers of the deceased were offered at Preetabad Eidgah. A total of 52 people were injured in the accident, out of which 27 were shifted to Karachi and 10 were undergoing treatment in Hyderabad.
According to Dr Khalid Bukhari, MS of the Civil Hospital, the condition of all the injured persons was critical. The hospital administration sounded an alert, and staff are working tirelessly to provide medical aid to the victims.
SSP Hyderabad Farrukh Linjar visited the hospital and directed the staff to provide all possible assistance to the injured. He confirmed that 30 people were injured in the blast, most of whom were children.
The relatives of the patients protested the lack of treatment facilities in the hospital, prompting the administration to call in the Rangers. Governor Sindh, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, and Chief Secretary Sindh have expressed regret over the incident and called for a full and transparent investigation.
The Chief Minister has directed Commissioner Hyderabad to ensure that all possible resources are utilized for the recovery of the injured and that those in critical condition be referred to Karachi for further treatment.
