6 killed in LPG tanker explosion

40 others also injured in the blast triggered allegedly by illegal refilling

MULTAN:

A gas tanker explosion near Basti Hamidpur Chowk on Narwala Road, Multan, claimed the lives of six people and injured 40 others on Monday.

The blast caused pieces of the tanker to scatter into a nearby residential area, igniting fires in adjacent buildings. As per initial investigations by the police, the incident occurred during an illegal refilling of LPG gas from the tanker by 15 to 16 individuals.

A fire broke out, and the suspects fled the scene without notifying authorities.

The intensity of the fire caused the tanker to explode, with debris hitting nearby homes and sparking widespread fires.

Rescue teams swiftly transported the injured to Nishtar Hospital, where nine victims are reported to be in critical condition.

Among the injured are 15 women, three children, and a pregnant woman, who has been shifted to the hospital's gynaecology ward.

Senior police officials, including SP Lyallpur Town Rana Rehman Qadir, SSP CIA, and ASP Gulberg, arrived at the scene to assess the situation and initiate a search for the perpetrators. The police have registered a case at Muzaffarabad Police Station against eight identified and seven unidentified individuals.

Three suspects have been arrested so far, and investigations are ongoing.

City Police Officer (CPO) Sadiq Ali Dogar visited the site, monitored rescue operations, and consoled the victims' families. He vowed that those responsible for the tragedy would be brought to justice.

Former Prime Minister and Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani expressed his condolences over the tragic loss of life, emphasising solidarity with the bereaved families.

He instructed the Nishtar Hospital administration to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical care. Gillani also prayed for the deceased and the swift recovery of the injured. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif condemned the incident, expressing deep sorrow over the lives lost.

She directed authorities to implement strict safety protocols for the handling and transportation of LPG and called for an immediate investigation into the incident. Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Bukhari stated that the incident appears to have occurred during an illegal LPG siphoning operation.