A powerful explosion occurred just outside Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport on Sunday evening, killing two people and injuring eight others, according to rescue teams and Sindh’s home minister. The blast, which damaged at least eight vehicles, appeared to have targeted foreign nationals.
The explosion rocked the area around 11:00pm, initially believed to have been caused by an oil tanker explosion. However, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Lanjar later clarified that the blast occurred near a vehicle designated for foreign visitors.
“The explosion happened at a spot where a bomb squad typically receives VIPs and escorts them to their destinations,”.
Reports indicated that two foreign dignitaries were expected to arrive in the city, and one of the security convoys was stationed at Gharial Chowk, while the second convoy was inside the airport premises.
The blast took place on a road leading from the airport to Sharae Faisal, an area frequently used by VIPs to park their vehicles with security personnel. Rescue officials reported that out of the nine injured, the condition of three was critical. Six of the wounded were transported to Jinnah Hospital, while three others were taken to a private facility. Nearby Shamsi Hospital treated four victims, including three rickshaw drivers. Lanjar also confirmed that one of the injured was a foreign national.
The explosion’s shockwaves were felt as far as Defence and Gulshan-e-Hadeed, with a large plume of smoke rising from the oil tanker next to the airport.
Footage circulating on TV and social media showed several vehicles, including an SUV, engulfed in flames, while traffic continued to move along the adjacent road. Bystanders were seen capturing photos and videos of the incident.
By 11:38pm, fire brigade trucks had arrived on the scene, roughly 25 minutes after the blast. Firefighters prepared to use foam to extinguish the oil-fueled fire. Meanwhile, Rangers and police cordoned off the area, and an emergency lockdown was imposed at the airport. Officials stated that those inside the airport would remain there until further notice, and incoming passengers were also instructed to stay inside the terminal.
Law enforcement personnel began checking vehicles, and Rangers sealed off roads leading to the airport. Armed security officers, who were not permitted inside the airport, had been waiting outside near a street clock, alongside private security guards on duty.
Sources indicated that the explosion was caused by a bomb planted in a vehicle along that route. Despite the incident, the Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that no damage occurred inside the airport, and flights were operating as usual.
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