Rescue operation underway at the site in New Karachi. INP KARACHI: A major tragedy struck an ice factory in New Karachi when its boiler exploded with a deafening bang, killing at least eight people and injuring over 30 on Tuesday evening, leaving a huge heap of debris behind. The explosion was so massive that it not only destroyed the ice factory, but also flattened two other neighbouring industrial units. Dozens were feared trapped under the huge pile of falling debris and a rescue operation was mounted that continued till late in the night. The huge explosion levelled the Crystal Ice and Cool Factory, located in Sector 12 near Saba Cinema, New Karachi Industrial Area. The explosion at the two-storeyed factory, spread over 1,000 square yards, occurred around 5:45pm. It was so powerful that it also extensively damaged the nearby two factories due to which a number of employees were buried under the rubble. A big cloud of dust hung overhead in the immediate aftermath of the incident before settling down. The blast also damaged the overhead high tension wire and the nearby PMT and over half of a dozen vehicles. According to preliminary report, the explosion occurred in the boiler at the cold storage unit of the ice factory, but conclusive assessment alone could determine the nature of the explosion.