At least seven people have been killed and several others injured after an explosion ripped through a fireworks warehouse in Hyderabad, a city in Pakistan’s Sindh province, according to reports from Dawn, The Express Tribune and local officials.
The blast occurred on Saturday, Nov. 15, inside a warehouse believed to be operating without authorization. Initial reports cited three deaths, but the toll later climbed to seven. The number of injured ranged from seven to 11 based on varying updates from police and hospital sources.
City police chief Adeel Chandio told the Associated Press that the cause of the explosion remained unclear. Deputy Commissioner Zain-ul-Abedin Memon confirmed that some of those hurt were in critical condition.
Dr. Vinesh Kumar from Liaquat University Hospital said one deceased victim had arrived at the burns ward and six others were admitted with moderate to severe burns. Two patients were described as having suffered burns covering nearly their entire bodies.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(658x379:660x381):format(webp)/explosion-fireworks-factory-hyderabad-111725-2-7a083266b0294f52827b9e1919b4acfb.jpg)
The blast triggered a large fire, with smoke visible from a distance as firefighters and rescue teams worked to contain the damage. Rescue 1122, the Punjab Emergency Services Department, said the explosion occurred near the Laghari Goth river within the Latifabad Police Station B Section limits.
Rescue 1122 spokesperson Dilbar Halepoto told The Express Tribune the incident was reported around 4:00 p.m. local time.
Deputy Commissioner Memon later stated in a Facebook post that authorities would take action against illegal warehouses and factories throughout Hyderabad, with strict legal measures planned against those responsible.
The Sindh government said an inquiry will determine whether the factory had proper authorization to produce fireworks and whether it complied with safety protocols, according to the Associated Press.
