At least two policemen, a Rangers official, Bomb Disposal Squad in-charge Malik Tahir and a factory worker lost their lives on Tuesday when a large cache of explosive material was accidentally triggered at a cement factory in Sukkur while officials were trying to deactivate it.
According to details shared by SSP Sukkur Amjad Shaikh, officials of police’s Special Branch were trying to deactivate around 2,000 kilogrammes of explosive material at a cement factory in Rohri when it accidentally ignited.
SSP Shaikh said that the presence of explosives at the factory had been flagged by the Rangers during a search and sweep exercise ahead of Muharram.
The explosives were to be used in the breaking down of large stones, which as part of the cement-making process.
The official said that eight, including six Rangers officials, were additionally injured in the blast. While some of the injured are currently undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital, four among them will be transferred to Karachi for treatment.
As a security measure meant to prevent their misuse during Muharram, the Rangers called in the Bomb Disposal Squad to deactivate the explosive material, the SSP said.
“While the BDS officials were trying to deactivate the explosives, they accidentally detonated, resulting in multiple casualties,” Shaikh said.
