Blast at fireworks warehouse kills 2, injures 9

Fire fighters extinguish a fire as rescue workers clear rubble from the site of an explosion in Multan on August 4, 2012. PHOTO: REUTERS

MULTAN: At least two people were killed and nine others were injured whereas many more were buried beneath rubble when a blast ripped through a fireworks warehouse in the Hussain Aghahi area of the city, causing the building and other structures nearby to slowly collapse, Express News reported on Saturday.

Explosions continued in the building, causing a steady fire due to chemicals stored there.

At least eight people were reportedly present in the building at the time of the explosion. Rescue teams reached the scene and began efforts to extract people buried under the rubble whereas firefighters attempted to put out the fire caused by the explosion.

A heavy contingent of police also reached the scene and began efforts to evacuate nearby buildings that were at risk of collapsing.

The injured were shifted to Nishtar Hospital.

CPO Multan reached the scene with his team and informed media personnel that the area SHO had been suspended and assured of action against those involved in letting the banned business continue.

Earlier, four members of a family were injured in a blast at a house used for manufacturing fireworks.