Eight dead, at least 16 injured in explosion at New Karachi ice factory

• Explosion occurs in boiler room of an ice and cold storage factory in New Karachi Industrial Area
• The roof of the factory caved in after the blast and many people are feared buried under the rubble
• Sindh Minister for Labour Saeed Ghani demands report within 24 hours

Eight people died and at least 16 were injured in an explosion inside a boiler room within a factory in New Karachi Industrial Area on Tuesday, police and local government officials said.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Moeenuddin, the incident took place inside an ice and cold storage factory.

He said seven people were at work inside the factory when the blast occurred.

Also read: Five killed in boiler blast at Chunian factory

DSP Moeenuddin said that the building has been "destroyed" and nearby factories have also been considerably damaged. He said many people are likely buried underneath the factory's rubble.

Rescue officials at the site said that the roof of the building caved in after the blast.

Related: Six injured labourers of Karachi factory boiler blast die at hospital

Bystanders rushed to the site to help the affected as rescue teams arrived.

Officers of the police, Sindh Rangers and Karachi Municipal Corporation were all assisting rescue efforts.

According to Dr Salma Kausar from Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, 13 people injured were brought to the facility, of which four passed away.

She said one injured person was taken to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre.

Later, Karachi Administrator Laeeq Ahmed visited the hospital to inquire after those injured in the incident.

He said a rescue operation is underway.

Labour minister orders inquiry

Sindh Minister for Labour Saeed Ghani noted with grave concern reports of the incident and ordered the ministry's secretary to conduct a probe.

According to a statement by the labour ministry, a safety team from the labour department has been instructed to go to the factory.

Ghani has demanded that a report on the explosion be submitted within 24 hours.

The minister also got in touch with the area deputy commissioner, said the statement, adding that officials of all relevant departments were urged to provide speedy medical assistance to all those affected by the blast.

The statement further said that Ghani directed that the heirs of the deceased be promptly notified and arrangements be made for their burial.