At least 20 individuals lost their lives and multiple others were harmed when a boiler detonated at a chemical plant in Faisalabad early on ...
At least 20 individuals lost their lives and multiple others were harmed when a boiler detonated at a chemical plant in Faisalabad early on Friday.
As per emergency services, the intense explosion led to a fire and resulted in nearby homes collapsing or suffering significant damage.
Police officials reported that a boiler detonated at a chemical plant close to Shahab Town Kabaddi Ground, Malikpur, within the Mansoorabad police station jurisdiction on Friday morning. Six children, ranging in age from 1 to 13 years, are believed to be among the deceased.
Deputy Commissioner of Faisalabad, Nadeem Nasir, informed journalists that 20 individuals lost their lives, with an additional 20 injured—some critically—in the explosion, as the rescue mission continues. Police reported that 17 bodies have been recovered from the debris, while three others died from their injuries at the hospital. Officials are concerned about a potential increase in the number of fatalities.
The casualties include children and women, as the large explosion led to the collapse of the factory building and multiple nearby residences. Nasir also mentioned that at least four individuals, including the factory manager, have been detained as part of the inquiry. According to the preliminary investigation, he noted, the explosion resulted from a gas leak. Emergency responders stated that the blast was so intense it caused several nearby homes to collapse. The local administration, including police and Res-cue-1122 teams, reacted swiftly and initiated a rescue mission at the site.
A total of 21 individuals, comprising women and children, were extracted from the wreckage. Out of them, 10 were declared deceased on the spot, while four more passed away in the hospital later. The search and rescue efforts were overseen by District Emergency Officer Engr Ih-tesham Wahla.
An explosion took place at a Samad Bond production facility, impacting at least nine nearby residences. Three of the victims were factory employees, with the remaining casualties being local inhabitants.
The deceased included -- Fakhira Bibi, wife of Riasat (40), Janat, daughter of Riasat (3), Ali Husnain, son of Riasat (1), Muhammad Irfan, son of Muhammad Shafi (40), Muhammad Rehan, son of Muhammad Irfan (12), Muhammad Ubaid, son of Muhammad Ashiq (22), Muhammad Shafique (62), Muhammad Ahmed, son of Abdul Rehman (10), Azan, son of Abdul Rehman (4), Muqadas, daughter of Irfan (13), Maqsooda Bibi, wife of Muhammad Shafique (62), Ashiq Hussain, son of Muhammad Saleem (50), Muhammad Bilal, son of Ashiq Hussain (24), and Umar, son of Ash-iq Hussain (22).
The casualties included Rifat, wife of Irfan (32), Yousan son of Munshi (65), Moazam son of Azam (17), Liaqat Ali son of Iqbal (55), Ahsan son of Arshad (30), Nadeem (16), and Arshad Akram (15).
Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar and Deputy Commissioner Cap (Retd) Nadeem Nasir stated that the explosion resulted from a gas leak at the factory. They mentioned that the injured are being provided with medical care, and the rescue efforts are almost finished, with the cooling process in progress.
The commissioner also stated that a five-person committee would be established to examine the cause of the incident. CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif extended her condolences to the families of the victims, joining them in their sorrow. Additionally, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has acknowledged the incident and asked for a comprehensive report from Faisalabad Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
