At least 10 people, including six women and two children, were killed and dozens trapped under debris after the roof of a warehouse collapsed in Pakistan's southern city of Sukkur in the Sindh province on Wednesday, Xinhua reported citing local media.
Raheem Buksh, Deputy Commissioner of Sukkur, said over 13 injured labourers have been rescued from the rubble so far, adding that a rescue operation is underway to recover other trapped people.
The incident took place in the Khajoor Mandi area of Sukkur.
The official said that the roof collapsed due to a gas explosion. The warehouse operated an illegal kiln to roast the date-palm fruit. The gas leakage occurred because of certain chemicals used during the production process.
All the injured have been shifted to a nearby hospital. More casualties are expected due to the serious condition of the injured, said the reports.
Personnel of Pakistan Army and Rangers also took part in the rescue operation. They are assisting local authorities by participating in the operation and rescuing lives.
Governor of Sindh province Muhammad Zubair has expressed grief and sorrow at the loss of precious lives and directed relevant authorities to provide the best-available medical treatment to the injured.