Three killed, seven injured as gas explosion collapses house in Lahore

Three people were killed and seven others suffered injuries after a gas explosion caused a house to partially collapse in the Harbancepura locality on Monday morning. Rescue 1122 officials said the explosion occurred at around 8:00am in the house in Nadir Market near Pepsi Road, prompting a large-scale emergency response involving specialised urban search and rescue teams. According to the Provincial Monitoring Cell, the emergency call was received at the Lahore Command and Control Centre shortly after the blast. Responding units, including fire, rescue, and medical teams, were immediately dispatched. The officials said the explosion had originated in the kitchen of the home, where breakfast preparations were under way. It triggered a sudden collapse of the first floor of the building. The force of the blast sent shockwaves through the neighbourhood, damaging adjoining buildings and leaving residents in fear. Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang, followed by a cloud of dust and cries for help. Local residents rushed out of their homes in panic, with some attempting to render initial assistance before rescue teams arrived. The explosion caused extensive structural damage, bringing down walls and ceilings and scattering debris across narrow streets around the market. The deceased were identified as Uzra, 55; Aftab, 19; and Saim, aged two years. Urban search and rescue personnel evacuated seven survivors from beneath the rubble after several hours of delicate efforts. Those injured were identified as Saba, 20; Ishrat, 50; Atiqa, 16; Rukhsana, 40; Shehr Bano, 21; Urooj, 24; and Habib, 16. Emergency responders provided them first aid before transferring them to the Services Hospital and Mayo Hospital for treatment. Hospital sources said most of the injured had suffered fractures, burns, or trauma from the collapsing structure. Their condition was stated to be stable, though a couple of the patients required close monitoring due to the severity of injuries. The bodies were retrieved from the rubble and shifted to a morgue for medico-legal formalities. Officials initially confirmed two deaths, but as search operations progressed, the figure rose to three. District Emergency Officer Shahid Waheed was supported by more than 50 rescuers and 18 emergency vehicles in the operation. Rescue 1122 spokesperson Farooq Ahmed said the teams had responded swiftly and effectively under challenging conditions. “The explosion was powerful and caused considerable damage to the structure and surrounding houses. Despite the risks associated with unstable debris, the teams carried out the rescue and managed to save all trapped residents who were alive,” he said. He added that the walls of the affected house had fallen onto adjacent homes, impacting the roofs of at least two rooms in a neighbouring building. Authorities said the congested street and the unstable debris slowed down the rescue efforts. The police launched an inquiry to determine the cause of the explosion. Preliminary findings suggested a gas leak, though officials said further investigation was required to establish whether there had been a fault, poor maintenance or incorrect connections. Forensic experts were also expected to visit the site to assess structural remains and collect evidence. Residents described the incident as one of the most intense blasts the area had witnessed in years. Some recalled a history of minor gas leakage complaints in nearby houses, attributing them to old pipelines and poor ventilation in the congested locality. Authorities urged citizens to remain vigilant regarding gas appliances, ensure regular maintenance, and promptly report any leakage or unusual smell.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/Zhn3kdV