Multan: At least six people lost their lives, and 38 others sustained injuries following an explosion of a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker in Pakistan's eastern Punjab province on Monday, officials reported.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Multan Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Bukhari stated that the explosion was triggered by a fire in a gas-filled tanker in Punjab's Multan city. Numerous firefighting vehicles were dispatched to the location. "The area had been sealed while the gas and electricity supply had also been stopped," Bukhari said. The powerful explosion also led to the collapse of several nearby houses. The injured, including women and children, were rushed to the government-run Nishtar hospital for treatment. Bukhari confirmed the fatalities and injuries, mentioning that around 20 cattle also perished due to the explosion. An inquiry committee has been established to investigate the incident and provide a comprehensive report.
President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed their sorrow over the loss of lives and extended their wishes for the injured's speedy recovery. In their statements, they offered condolences to the affected families and prayed for the departed souls. They also instructed authorities to determine the cause of the explosion and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.