Gas explosion injures six of a family in Lahore

Another gas leak near Attari Darbar ignites heater, causing explosion and flames, says Rescue 1122

Six members of a family, including two children, were injured after a gas heater explosion triggered a fire in a house in Lahore's Nishtar Colony on Monday. According to Rescue 1122, the incident occurred near Attari Darbar, close to Ferozepur Road, when gas accumulated in a room due to leakage ignited as a heater was switched on, causing a powerful explosion followed by flames.

Emergency services received the call shortly after 8:30am, reporting multiple burn injuries. Rescue teams, including firefighters and ambulances, were dispatched to the site and began evacuation and emergency response operations. Rescue officials confirmed that six members of a family had suffered burn injuries.

The injured were identified as Younis, aged 60; his 43-year-old wife Rani; 22-year-old Bilal Younis; 19-year-old Kokab Younis; five-year-old Haider Younis; and two-year-old Fiza Younis. “All injured persons were provided first aid on the spot and shifted to the Lahore General Hospital for treatment,” a Rescue 1122 spokesperson said.

Preliminary findings suggest that gas had leaked and accumulated inside a closed room, creating a combustible environment. When the heater was lit, the trapped gas ignited, resulting in an explosion. Firefighters managed to douse the fire, preventing it from spreading to adjoining parts of the house.

Rescue authorities urged citizens to ensure proper ventilation while using gas heaters during winter, and to regularly check gas connections to prevent leakages. Earlier the same day, Rescue 1122 responded to several other fire-related emergencies across Lahore, highlighting an increase in such incidents during the cold season.

In the morning, a fire broke out at a grocery shop near Bawawala Stop on Barki Road. Firefighters extinguished the blaze. No casualty was reported in the incident, according to rescue officials.

In the afternoon, Rescue 1122 received a call reporting a fire in a house near Ravi Road. The fire reportedly erupted in household items stored in a room on the second floor of the building. No injuries were reported.

Later in the day, another fire incident was reported near Makkah Colony in the Gulberg area, where flames engulfed a furniture shop. Rescue teams managed to contain the fire. The extent of damage to the shop was not immediately assessed.

Rescue officials said faulty electrical wiring, improper gas appliance usage, and lack of safety measures often contribute to such incidents, particularly during winter when heaters and other appliances are used extensively.

Authorities advised residents to install gas detectors, avoid using heaters in poorly ventilated rooms, and ensure that appliances are regularly maintained. An investigation into the Nishtar Colony incident is ongoing.