At least five people were killed after two purported bomb blasts tore through the Ancholi neighborhood in Karachi, Pakistan, according to reports on Friday. Reports said shops were on fire.
Around 17 injured people were taken to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, The Express Tribune reported.
The News of Pakistan said women and children were among those killed and injured.
Citing an official, the publication said that a bomb was planted in a motorcycle.
“The blasts could be heard even at a distance of 15km-20km. Residents in North Nazimabad and Gulshan-e-Iqbal have reported they heard the explosions,” Express News correspondent Rehan Khan was quoted as saying.
Windows within the the area of the blast were shattered and there were reports of a localized power outage.
Reports said that the blasts destroyed two shops.
Emergency rescue crews were on the scene.
Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon strongly condemned the blasts, saying they were a cowardly act, suggesting that the blasts were caused by bombs, Dawn.com reported.