Peshawar blast: ‘Gas explosion’ at hospital injures eight

The blast destroyed parts of the hospital and caused a fire in surrounding shops

PESHAWAR: At least eight people were injured in an explosion caused by a gas cylinder at the Nasir Mohmand Surgical Hospital in Sheikhabad. The blast caused extensive damage to the hospital’s building and nearby shops.

“There was a huge explosion and ensuing fire engulfed the area. People were injured because of broken glass,” said Ashraf, an eyewitness, who owns a medical store adjacent to the hospital.

SSP Operations Tahir Ayub told the media that there was no trace of any explosives. “Our investigation shows that the explosion was caused by a gas cylinder,” he added.

As a result of the blast, a cotton dump opposite the hospital caught fire and rapidly spread to nearby shops. However, fire engines reached the spot in time and put out the blaze.

Spokesperson of the Lady Reading Hospital said that they have received seven injured people, including two children.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 22^nd, 2011.