Death toll at Karachi Ashura procession blast hits 33

Updated at: 0030 PST, Tuesday, December 29, 2009
KARACHI: The death tally, in suicide blast at the mourning procession in connection with Ashura – 10th Muharram, has mounted to 33 people while as many as another 80 unfortunate persons sustained wounds here at MA Jinnah Road in Karachi on Monday, Geo news reported.

The blast struck the city’s main Ashura procession when the suicide bomber blew himself up near Light House at MA Jinnah Road, killing at least 32 people and wounding 80 others.

More than 400 shops and over 50 vehicles were set on fire by the enraged mob in different parts of the metropolis.

The blast triggered stampede and panic among the participants of the procession. Some unknown armed men also fired shots. Fire broke out after the blast in Karachi, fanning thick smoke into the sky, and people were running in all directions.

Earlier in the day, hundreds of mourning processions converged to Nishtar Park, from where they marched down the MA Jinnah Road. As the mourners reached the Tibet Center, a powerful blast took place.

Fahim Siddiqui, senior reporter of Geo News, is also among the injured. Siddiqui has been shifted to a nearby hospital, where he is getting emergency treatment.

Speaking to Geo News, Interior Minister Rehman Malik strongly condemned the blast and termed it a suicide attack. Malik said no Muslim could be involved in such heinous acts of terrorism.

MQM chief Altaf Hussian also called upon the people to maintain calm.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, in their separate messages, have also strongly condemned the blast at main procession of Aushra in Karachi on Monday.

The President and the Prime Minister also ordered immediate inquiry and submission of report. They also ordered for provision of immediate best medical facilities to the injured. The two leaders also appealed to the masses to remain peaceful.

According to media reports, angry mob have set ablaze Light House building situated at the MA Jinnah Road. While several vehicles, parked around the city court, have also been set on fire, sources said.

People are stranded in the building, which was set on fire.

There are also reports of unrest at different parts of the city, including Numaish, Jafar Society and MA Jinnah Road.

Edhi ambulances, KESC vehicles and police mobiles were torched.