Faisalabad: Pakistan’s Punjab province witnessed a devastating industrial accident on Friday after a massive explosion triggered by a gas leak ripped through a chemical factory in Faisalabad’s Malikpur area. The blast killed at least 15 workers and injured several others, officials said.
The explosion, which occurred around 130 km from Lahore, was so powerful that it destroyed the factory’s shed and adjoining structures, bringing down nearby houses as well. Panic spread across the locality as people rushed out of their homes fearing further blasts. Police and rescue teams immediately began search and relief operations.
Faisalabad Deputy Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar confirmed that 15 bodies had been pulled out from the debris, while seven injured victims were shifted to a hospital. Officials fear more workers may still be trapped beneath the rubble as rescue efforts continue through the night.
According to the district administration, the area houses four chemical factories. A preliminary report from the rescue department indicated that a gas leak triggered a fire in one unit, which quickly spread to the neighbouring factories, escalating the destruction.
Inspector General of Punjab Police Dr Usman Anwar directed all emergency departments, including Rescue 1122 and the fire brigade, to provide full support in clearing the site and assisting survivors.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and sought a detailed report on the incident. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the boiler explosion and have also intensified safety inspections in nearby chemical plants to prevent similar tragedies.
