KARACHI, Oct 6: At least 15 people, including four children, were injured on Saturday when a truck loaded with firecrackers exploded after a live cracker fired by jubilant political workers in Korangi area set off a fire, police and witnesses said.

They said the explosion occurred as workers of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement escorted the truck in Korangi 4 area after President Gen Pervez Musharraf was unofficially declared re-elected on Saturday.

“One of the crackers landed on the truck and triggered a blast,” said SP Landhi, Asif Ejaz. “The number of injured is more than a dozen. Some of them are seriously burnt.”

He said the victims were taken to the Civil Hospital. He said the truck had been seized.

Hospital sources said most of the victims suffered serious burns.

The injured included two 10-year-olds Hasan and Humayun, Umer, Sabir, Javed, Noman, 13, Wasim, Mansoor, Naeem, Salim and Taufeeq. Some of the victims could not be identified.