Massive explosion targets foreign nationals’ convoy near Karachi Airport
massive explosion late Sunday targets a convoy of foreign nationals in Pakistan's Karachi, October 6, 2024. (Photo via India Today)
A massive explosion late Sunday night targeted a convoy of foreign nationals near an international airport in Karachi, Pakistan’s commercial capital, killing at least one person and injuring eight others, including one Chinese national, local police and media reported.
Zia Lanjar, home minister for Sindh province, which includes Karachi, confirmed that the explosion struck a vehicle carrying foreign nationals outside the airport, resulting in the death of one individual.
He noted that the injured were transported to the hospital, although their nationalities were not disclosed. At least two of the injured were reported to be in critical condition.
Footage from local broadcaster Geo News showed large plumes of fire rising from several damaged vehicles as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze.
According to an initial investigation, the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED), Lanjar stated. The explosion was reportedly heard several miles away from the airport.
A spokesperson for the civil aviation authority assured that all airport installations are secure and that flight schedules remain unaffected.
This incident marks the second terrorist attack targeting foreign nationals in less than two weeks. Last month, an IED explosion aimed at a convoy of foreign diplomats in northwestern Pakistan resulted in the death of a police officer.
