KARACHI: At least 45 people including women and children were killed while over 140 others were injured when a blast ripped through a residential area near Abbas Town on Ispahani Road in Karachi on Sunday evening, Dispatch News Desk (DND) reported.
The explosion occurred at the time of Maghrib prayers between two apartment blocks at the entrance of city’s Shia-dominated neighbourhood of Abbas Town.
Law enforcement agencies cordoned off the area soon after the blasts while bomb disposal squad was called in. Rescue teams also reached the blast spot and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals.
Several shops were also damaged to the high intensity of the blasts. Fire erupted in nearby residential apartments where dozens of people were reportedly trapped, sources said.
Political and religious leaders have strongly condemned the blasts in Abbas Town.
Meanwhile, Muttahida Qaumi Movement has announced a day of mourning, while the Jafria Alliance has announced a strike on Monday. Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen has announced three days of mourning.
DND
