20 victims of Malkpur factory blast laid to rest

Inquiry report reveals deadly mix of chemical storage

FAISALABAD:

The 20 victims who lost their lives in the Malkpur chemical factory explosion were laid to rest on Monday amid heartrending scenes, as hundreds of mourners gathered to bid farewell.

The grief-stricken atmosphere engulfed the entire locality, and tears flowed freely as multiple funerals were carried out simultaneously.

Funeral prayers for 17 of the deceased were offered at the Kabaddi Stadium in Malkpur, attended by political leaders, social activists, and people from all walks of life.

Funeral prayers for the remaining three victims were held in Allama Iqbal Colony, located in the jurisdiction of D-Type Colony Police Station.

The tragedy was especially devastating for one family that lost four members: electrical engineer Aashiq and his three young sons 18-year-old Bilal, 22-year-old Umar and 25-year-old Ubaid, all of whom were also laid to rest together.

The Punjab government's four-member inquiry committee has completed its preliminary investigation into the Malkpur factory explosion and released its findings, revealing severe negligence and lack of safety protocols.

A large stock of flammable chemicals had been stored inside the factory.

The blast occurred after a cylinder leakage combined with an electrical short circuit triggered an explosion in the chemical materials.

The probe concluded that the catastrophe resulted from carelessness and untrained staff handling hazardous substances.

The chemical manufacturing unit did not have a boiler installed, despite using various categories of volatile chemicals.

The explosion also damaged nearby houses and buildings.

Members of the inquiry committee included the Chief Boiler Inspector Punjab, District Officer Industries, Chief Inspector Boiler, and the Faisalabad Boiler Engineer.