Two persons died and several others were critically injured in a blast that took place near the Quaidabad flyover, media reports said Friday night.
Malir SSP Irfan Bahadur told media that police cordoned off the blast site, adding that the police have gathered evidence from the area.
The officials later confirmed that a device was planted in a bag with 500g of explosive material which was used for the blast. The police are further investigating the matter, SSP Bahadur said.
Rescue teams and police quickly reached the site. All those injured were transferred to the Jinnah Hospital, reports said.
Dr Seemi Jamali at the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre confirmed the death toll. The dead were identified as Shahid and Pappu. She said that five wounded persons were in critical condition at the hospital.
The police, along with the bomb disposal squad, have launched a search operation in the area.
1st visuals from Quaid-e-Abad blast site #Karachi, one person critically injured, cause of blast unknown so far pic.twitter.com/NdsZbqwQ78
— Khalid khi (@khalid_pk) November 16, 2018
According to reports, the noise of the explosion was heard at distant places while mirrors of the nearby buildings were shattered as a result of the impact.
The power supply of the surrounding areas was disrupted following the explosion while the blast took place in a crowded place with stalls of vendors.
Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and sought a report from the additional inspector general of police. He directed the authorities to provide medical assistance to the injured.