Explosion in Karachi: Live updates
From the Blog Pak1stanfirstcom - Explosion in Karachi: Live updates November 11th, 2010 KARACHI: An explosion has taken place near the PIDC building on Club Road in Karachi. According to eye witness reports, there was an exchange of gunfire prior to the blasts, reports Express 24/7 correspondent Ahmed Jung. Sindh Home Minister Zulfiqar Mirza confirms that five to six people opened fire before the explosion. Initial reports suggest that the explosion targeted the DIG CID's office in the area. The DIG was not inside the building at the time of the blast. Casualties So far, 11 people are being reported dead, while more than 50 have been injured. According to Express 24/7 Correspondent Ahmed Jung, the number of injured is expected to rise considerably. Two FC officials were found injured inside the building. Blast intensity Ahmed Jung reports the blast caused a 6 to 10 feet crater in the ground at the entrance of the building, while 16 to 20 nearby houses were heavily damaged. Initial reports states some of the nearby buildings were heavily damaged. Express News Correspondent Nadeem Khan reports the intensity of the explosion was such that it was heard for many kilometers around and nearby buildings have been damaged. According to officials this is the blast intensity was the highest to have ever been witnessed in Karachi. Nature of the blast It is not yet clear whether the explosion was a suicide explosion or not. Site of blast The explosion took place in a very busy area. Other than the PIDC building, there is also the Chief Minister House, Governor House, Pearl Continental Hotel and Sheraton in the area. The bomb disposal squad is searching the site for any more explosives. Rescue services According to Express News correspondent Shakir Sultan several people are trapped under the rubble of the building. Ambulances have reached the area and the injured are being taken to nearby hospitals, but several casualties are feared. So far more than 55 injured have been taken to Jinnah Hospital. Rescue workers are moving inside the building which was initially blocked by the rubble. Police and Rangers have cordoned of the area around the emergency of the Jinnah Hospital. Official Statements Former CPLC Chief Jameel Yousuf says that the aim of the explosion could have been to rescue terror suspects who were were being kept in the building. He said that the injured who are being taken to the hospitals could have those suspects within them and security at the hospitals should be aware of this as their accomplices could try to rescue them from there as well. Pakistan First
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