UPDATE 2 - 1 killed, 34 injured in explosion at Pakistan firecracker warehouse

ADDS ONE KILLED, CHANGES IN LEDE, HEADLINE, BODY

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) - At least one person was killed and 34 others were injured in a massive explosion at a firecracker warehouse in Karachi, Pakistan's southern port city, police and officials said.

According to rescue officials, it is suspected that a short circuit triggered a fire in the warehouse, resulting in the huge explosion because of the presence of highly inflammable material.

The warehouse is located near Taj Medical Complex on M.A. Jinnah Road, Karachi's main traffic artery named after Pakistan's founding father.

The intensity of the blast damaged nearby vehicles and smashed windows of surrounding buildings.

Police said the injured were taken to Jinnah and Civil hospitals, with a majority of them suffering injuries from being hit by broken glass, while firefighting efforts continued.

Asad Raza, a senior Karachi police official, also said that preliminary reports suggested an electric spark triggered the fire. He added that a similar incident occurred about two years ago at the same premises.

Industrial accidents are common in Karachi, primarily due to inadequate safety standards, poor infrastructure, and negligence.