Gas cylinders blast followed by perfume factory’s roof collapse claimed at least a dozen human lives in Imamia Colony, a locality near Shahdara late Monday night, authorities confirmed.

Eight fire brigade engines took part in the rescue and relief operation that continued for several hours.

The inclement weather conditions delayed the rescue operation particularly retrieving the bodies from the debris. The lone survivor, 30-year Zahid was rushed to Mayo Hospital for treatment where his condition is stated to be precarious.

The hospital staff and local authorities have confirmed 11 deaths expressing fear that more bodies may be discovered once the entire debris was cleared. The work was in progress till the filing of this report.

The residents of this locality were appreciative of the efforts made by the Rescue 1122 and fire brigade staff but some were found complaining that they are not properly equipped to tackle such a massive fire.

It may be added here that the ill-fated factory was originally a textile unit but it was later transformed into a perfume factory. It is believed that not enough equipment was available in the factory to extinguish emergency fire.

In Lahore there have been several incidents of fire erupting in industrial units and private buildings and every time it was realized that fire-fighting staff lacks training as well as proper equipment.

In some Walled City localities fire brigade engines could not reach due to narrow streets rendering the residents with no choice but to control fire on their own.

Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner Ferozewala Syeda Tehniat has confirmed that the factory was located in a residential area without any legal authority and action was being taken against the factory owners.

District Police Officer informed 24 Digital that a case has been registered against factory owners and investigation was in process and some arrested are imminent.