A tragic cylinder explosion inside a house in Islamabad’s Sector G-7/2 claimed the lives of eight people, including a newlywed bride and groom, on Sunday.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the powerful blast caused the structure to collapse, leaving several family members trapped under the debris.
Rescue officials said that eleven people were pulled out alive with critical injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).
Medical teams remain on high alert as some of the injured are said to be in serious condition.
The explosion reduced the house to rubble, while four adjoining homes were also damaged due to the intensity of the blast.
Emergency services continued search and clearing operations for several hours as authorities began assessing the structural impact on neighbouring properties.
Initial reports suggest that a gas leakage may have triggered the explosion, though a technical investigation is underway to determine the exact cause.
Acting on the instructions of the Islamabad Deputy Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner General (ADCG) Sahibzada Yusuf reached the site to supervise the ongoing rescue efforts.
He said a total of 15 people had been pulled from the damaged structures, adding that five of them succumbed to their injuries shortly after being retrieved.
The incident sent shockwaves through the community, where residents described scenes of panic and devastation.
The ten injured people were shifted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), which had been placed on high alert to manage the emergency.
PIMS administration confirmed six deaths and said all the deceased have been identified. PIMS sources said Sunil Javed's body was shifted to his house in Tench Bhata, while five other bodies will be shifted to the morgue.
PIMS sources said the house of the affected family was destroyed in the blast, so the bodies are not being shifted, and the bodies will be shifted to the morgue after completing the death certificates and other paperwork of the dead.
PIMS sources added that the decision on when the bodies will be received and whether to do a post-mortem or not will be taken by the relatives.
Medical teams continued to administer treatment as authorities worked to stabilise the area and secure buildings weakened by the blast.
Rescue operations continued for several hours as teams combed through debris to ensure no one remained trapped.
ADCG Yusuf said a formal investigation had been launched to determine the precise cause of the explosion.
Chairman of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), Muhammad Ali Randhawa, while talking to media persons, confirmed that rescue operations at the site of the explosion in Sector G-7, Lahore, have been completed and authorities will now conduct a thorough assessment of all affected homes.
Randhawa stated that any house found to have structural cracks will be deemed unsafe for habitation, and residents will not be allowed to stay until repairs are carried out. Full verification of all individuals residing in the area is also underway to ensure safety and accountability.
Following directives from the Prime Minister, a comprehensive inquiry into the incident will be conducted. The PM Office is expected to issue an official notification formalising the investigation, ensuring all aspects of the explosion are thoroughly examined.
PM, Interior Minister express sorrow
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed deep sorrow over the fatalities caused by a cylinder explosion in Islamabad. Both leaders prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The Prime Minister directed the Interior Secretary to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. He also instructed the Health Minister, Health Secretary, and the administration of PIMS to remain on high alert to ensure immediate and effective medical response.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and emphasised that the injured should receive the best possible medical care. Authorities have been instructed to provide all necessary treatment facilities to the victims.
Reporter: Hashar Warriach