KARACHI: Two persons were injured and several cars parked outside damaged in a huge explosion that occurred inside a pizza joint in Gulshan-i-Iqbal on Monday, police said.

They said that the blast took place due to accumulation of gas used for cooking in the eatery located on the ground floor of a multi-storey building near Maskan Chowrangi.

Gulshan SHO Shaoor Bangash said that a team of bomb disposal squad was called to inspect the place to ascertain the exact cause of the blast. He said after a thorough examination they came to the conclusion that a gas leak caused the explosion.

The SHO said that it appeared that the restaurant owner had accidentally left the gas stove knob on due to which gas was accumulated inside the eatery, leading to the explosion.

The shop was almost completely destroyed due to the impact of the explosion as chunks of concrete flew through the air, destroying cars parked nearby.

The SHO confirmed that two persons suffered injuries and they were rushed to a hospital for treatment. He said their condition was stated to be out of danger.

He said the police had decided to lodge an FIR against the restaurant owner as his alleged negligence caused damages to life and property.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2023