(Image source from: AP)

At least two Chinese workers were killed and eight others injured in an explosion near Pakistan's Karachi airport on Sunday night, the AP reported. The footage shows the cars engulfed in flames and a thick cloud of smoke rising from the scene of the accident. The site of the explosion was cordoned off under strict security measures. According to a statement from the Chinese Embassy, a convoy carrying Chinese employees of Port Qasim Electric Power Company (Pvt) Ltd was attacked at around 11 pm. Pakistanis were also reportedly killed. According to Dawn, CID Director General Asif Ijaz Sheikh said that nothing was clear about the nature of the blast at this time. However, local TV channel Geo News quoted provincial interior minister Zia ul Hassan as saying the blast was an attack on foreigners. He added that it looked like an oil tanker explosion, East Deputy Inspector General Asfar Mahesar said.

China's statement called the blast a "terrorist attack" and said it was cooperating with Pakistan for a thorough investigation. "The Chinese Embassy and Consulate General in Pakistan strongly condemns this terrorist attack (and) expresses its deepest condolences to the innocent victims in both countries," the statement said. “The blast/accident took place on Model Colony Road near the airport, though the airport building and premises were safe. "While the relevant authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion/accident, the airport authorities immediately dispatched fire tenders to the spot," Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson Saifullah said.