Explosion near Karachi Airport kills two

KARACHI: A powerful explosion occurred near the Jinnah Airport on Sunday night, targeting a convoy responsible for the security of Chinese nationals. The blast resulted in the deaths of two individuals while more than ten others were seriously injured. Several vehicles were destroyed, leading to severe traffic congestion on Shahrah-e-Faisal.

The sound of the explosion was even heard in distant areas.

DIG East Atif Mehmood spoke to the media at the scene, confirming that two individuals had died, though their identities were not immediately known. Rescue officials reported that one fatality and eight injuries had been taken to the Jinnah Hospital.

Meanwhile, some human remains were discovered at the scene, which were sent to a private hospital in District South.

The police initially received reports of an explosion involving an oil tanker. Interior Minister Zia Hassan Lanjhar and IG Sindh also arrived at the scene, while a bomb disposal squad collected evidence.

Preliminary investigations suggested that the blast occurred when a Chinese convoy was leaving the airport near the guardroom.

Initially, it was speculated that the explosion was a suicide attack but authorities later denied this, stating that investigations would explore both accidental and terrorist angles.

However, a post from Baloch Liberation Army spokesman Jiyand Baloch claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting it was carried out by the Majeed Brigade targeting a convoy of Chinese engineers and investors.

Among the injured were Rangers Captain Usman, personnel Mazhar and a police officer Waqas. A private security guard was reported to be among the deceased. The condition of one of the injured individuals was described as critical. Other injured individuals included Tasleem, Faqir Bakhsh, Azim, Naeem and Muhammad Omar.

DIG East Ghulam Azfar Mahesar stated initial investigation suggests the incident occurred due to an explosion in an oil tanker, which also caused other vehicles to catch fire. He added they are investigating what was inside the vehicles that caught fire after the explosion. Law enforcement personnel were also injured in the incident. He confirmed receiving reports of two fatalities, which they are verifying, and said that a complete report would be prepared after further investigation.

DIG Ghulam Azfar Mahesar further stated that investigators are also trying to ascertain whether this incident is an act of terrorism or some other form of sabotage, which has not been ruled out at this stage.

CTD In-Charge Raja Umar Khattab, while speaking at the scene, said that evidence of the explosion had been found, including a large number of ball bearings recovered from the site. The Bomb Disposal Squad, Crime Scene Unit and personnel from agencies continued gathering evidence late into the night, facing significant difficulties due to inadequate lighting at the scene.

According to police sources, six injured individuals, including three foreigners, were brought to a private hospital in Clifton, where two of the foreigners succumbed to their injuries during treatment.

Among the other injured, three individuals, including a security official, are still under treatment. Of the three local injured individuals, two are in critical condition. One body and 10 injured people were transferred to the Jinnah Hospital.