Faisalabad factory blast kills 15, injures seven
- Maryam has sought report on incident from Faisalabad commissioner
At least 15 people were killed and seven others injured after a powerful explosion triggered the collapse of a structure in Malikpur Shahab Town, Faisalabad on Thursday, officials from Rescue 1122 Punjab confirmed.
The blast, believed to have been caused by a gas leakage, occurred inside a chemical factory in Kabaddi Stadium Ground area.
There were three more adjoining industrial units with the factory where this incident took place. The other three factories — glue, silicone and embroidery units — were closed at the time. The impact also damaged nine nearby houses.
The Rescue 1122 spokesperson said three were factory workers and rest were residents among the casualties.
Hyderabad fireworks factory blast death toll climbs to nine
“Initial information suggests that the incident occurred due to a steamer blast caused by a gas leakage,” the official said.
“Several people have been rescued alive from the collapsed building. Some people later succumbed to their injuries due to severe trauma,” he said, adding that the injured and the dead bodies had been shifted to the hospital for treatment and medico-legal formalities, respectively.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the explosion at the chemical factory in Faisalabad.
The chief minister extended condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families.
Maryam has also sought a report on the incident from the commissioner of Faisalabad.
This should be noted that last week at least nine people died in a firecracker factory explosion in Hyderabad, officials confirmed.
The powerful explosion tore through the illegal firecracker manufacturing unit in Laghari Goth, within the limits of Latifabad Police Station B Section, on Saturday.
The blast triggered a fire that quickly engulfed the structure, causing extensive damage. The sound of the explosion was heard miles away.
According to officials, fireworks were being produced inside a residential house without a license.