Pakistan: 10 killed, several injured as blast rocks Karachi city

In Pakistan, at least 10 people were killed and several others injured on Saturday as a blast ripped through Paracha Chowk in Karachi's Shershah area.The blast shattered windows of nearby buildings and many parked vehicles were also badly damaged. Though it was not yet clear what ignited the gas, a team of explosives experts had been summoned to investigate, Police spokesman Sohail Jokhio told The Associated Press. the explosion occurred in a nullah (drain) located below a bank. Officials suspect that an accumulation of gases in the drain underneath the building resulted in the explosion. A notice had been issued to the bank to vacate the premises so the nullah could be cleaned.

The injured were taken to a hospital nearby where three are reported to be critical. Atleast 10 people were killed, Dr Sabir Memon was quoted as saying by AP. There were reports of several people being trapped under the debris. The area has been cordoned off and rescue operations are underway. According to Geo TV, the police said the explosion occurred in a gas pipeline running through the drain.