At least three foreign nationals died while 17 others sustained injuries in a huge explosion near Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, with Home Minister Zia Ul Hassan Lanjar suspecting it to be an improvised explosive device (IED) strike.

Sources told Geo News that the sound of the explosion was heard in different areas of the city, including Karimabad, Defence and Jamshed Road, with television footage showing massive thick clouds of smoke and a blazing fire from the site. 

All injured have been transferred to Jinnah hospital for emergency treatment.

In a statement, Malir Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) confirmed a huge explosion near the airport’s traffic signal.

Initial reports suggested that an oil tanker blew up, engulfing a number of vehicles present at the site, the police official said.  

Law enforcement agencies and firefighters have reached the spot. 

Rescue officials claimed that one person and several others have sustained injuries in the blast and shifted to hospital. 

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has sought a detailed report from the Malir SSP regarding the incident.

“We need to ascertain the facts,” the statement said, ordering authorities to provide best medical treatment to injured people. The CM also ordered to not block any roads leading to and from the airport.

Speaking to Geo News, Lanjar said an investigation into the explosion has been launched, adding that CCTV footage was being acquired.

“Reports are suggesting that it was an IED explosion,” he claimed.

This is a developing story and is being updated with more details.