Officials fear the death toll may rise as the factory building collapsed completely, leaving several people possibly trapped under the debris.
The blast occurred around 4pm in a house-turned-warehouse situated in the middle of agricultural fields near UC-99, opposite Latifabad No. 10. The impact was so intense that its echo was heard across Kohsar and multiple areas of Latifabad. The structure was flattened instantly, triggering a massive fire and sending debris— including human body parts— across a wide radius.
Residents were the first to arrive at the site, where they discovered that the collapsed building was being used as an illegal fireworks manufacturing and storage unit. Locals said seven to eight people usually worked in the facility, and firecrackers continued to detonate for a long time after the blast.
Rescue teams from Edhi Foundation and Rescue 1122 reached the scene shortly after the explosion. According to Edhi Centre in-charge Miraj Qureshi, four bodies had been pulled out of the rubble, while five injured were shifted to a hospital. Four of them were later moved to the Burns Ward due to critical injuries.
Deputy Commissioner Hyderabad Zain-ul-Abideen, Assistant Commissioner Saud Baloch, and other officials also reached the site and began overseeing rescue operations. Authorities cleared the large crowd gathered at the location to facilitate debris removal.
UC Chairman Imran Bashir told Express News that the warehouse was frequently staffed by workers from nearby Kolhi Goth. He confirmed that four bodies had been recovered so far. Eyewitnesses said they often saw four workers—Mushtaq, Waqas, Kashif, and Anas—inside the facility, though it is unclear how many were present at the time of the explosion.
Residents noted that although the blast site was away from populated areas, a far greater tragedy could have occurred had the illegal factory been operating inside a residential locality.
Speaking to the media, Deputy Commissioner Zain-ul-Abideen said authorities were tracing the owner who had set up the illegal fireworks storage on government land. “Our first priority is to complete the rescue operation. Once the debris is cleared, we will assess if more casualties are present,” he added.
The DC further said that after consulting the SSP Hyderabad, a search operation would be launched across different locations to identify how fireworks material was being supplied and stored illegally. He said OGRA and its technical teams would also be consulted during the investigation. He urged the public to immediately report any location in their area where fireworks or explosive materials are being kept illegally.
Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah sought a detailed report on the incident from the Hyderabad commissioner and deputy commissioner. He directed authorities to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical treatment and vowed strict action against those responsible.
Additionally, Governor Kamran Tessori expressed sorrow over the tragedy and instructed the concerned departments to submit a comprehensive report. He also assured that those responsible would be held accountable.