KARACHI: Two persons sustained injuries when a commercial building raised on a storm drain collapsed in Saddar near Electronic Market on Wednesday morning, according to officials and witnesses.

The ground-plus-one floor building fell down after a gas explosion in the drain, causing injuries to its watchman and a vendor, said Saddar SP Dr Samiullah Soomro.

The incident occurred at around 9:30am. The building located near St Andrew’s Church in Saddar was constructed on storm-water drain, which collapsed because of accumulation of gases, said the police officer. The gas explosion triggered fear and panic among citizens.

Law enforcers, a fire tender and rescue teams rushed to the spot.

A portion of Abdullah Haroon Road leading to Zaibunissa Street was also destroyed owing to the impact of the explosion. Temporary arrangements were made to prevent citizens and public transport from passing through the damaged portion of the busy road. Volunteers were seen advising people to avoid going there for fear of being fallen in the drain.

The injured men, identified as Mujeeb and Fazal, were shifted to the Civil Hospital of Karachi where their condition was stated to be out of danger.

Published in Dawn, August 4th, 2016