(260219) -- KARACHI, Feb. 19, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Rescuers search for victims after a gas explosion in Karachi, Pakistan on Feb. 19, 2026.

The death toll from a gas explosion at a residential building in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi has risen to 16, rescue officials said on Thursday.

The explosion occurred at around 4:15 a.m. local time on the first floor of a three-storey building, Assistant Superintendent of Police Jamshed Asher told media. (Xinhua)