The death toll in powerful gas cylinder explosion which brought down a three-storey hotel in Jhelum on Sunday night has risen to seven, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Monday.

As many as 17 other people were also injured in the blast which occurred in the kitchen and ripped through the hotel located on GT Road.

Rescue and police personnel said that as many as 17 injured have been recovered and shifted to the Jhelum District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital. Two of the injured, who were in critical condition, have been shifted to Rawalpindi for emergency treatment, they added.

Ad­ditional Deputy Commissioner (Rev­enue) Hassan Tariq told media that the explosion took place early Sunday, following which the rescue teams “immediately re­sponded and initiated rescue efforts”.

Tariq added that all senior doctors and staff were present at the Jhe­lum District Headquarters Hospital where the injured were being pro­vided treatment.

Reporter Raja Waqar