Islamabad, Jan 27 (EFE).- At least six people were killed and another 29 injured as a gas-filled tanker exploded during refilling operations at a warehouse in Pakistan’s Southern Punjab province early Monday morning, police said.
The incident happened when a tanker carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) exploded during refilling in Multan’s Hamid Pur Kanora area.
The LPG was being transferred from a large gas bowser to smaller bowsers and commercial cylinders at the site.
“Fire erupted due to gas leakage from a tanker, which led to a powerful explosion killing six people and injuring 29 others,” Bashir Ahmed, Station House Officer of Muzaffarabad Police Station in Multan, told EFE.
The head of the local police station added that the deceased include a minor girl and two women.
The explosion triggered a massive fire, with debris from the shattered vehicle landing on nearby residential areas, causing significant destruction.
The police officer said that around 18 houses were also damaged due to the explosion, which occurred at 4:30 am.
Rescue teams evacuated over 100 trapped residents and transferred the injured to Nishtar Hospital, where an emergency has been declared.
Ahmed said that firefighters launched a swift operation, which continued for hours.
“More than 18 fire tenders fought the flames for five hours before bringing the fire under control,” he said, adding that the warehouse was in a residential area, which is illegal.
Following the explosion, the electricity supply was disconnected, and the gas supply to the area was also cut off.
Local ARY TV aired footage of flames and thick smoke rising from the tanker, with nearby houses also consumed by the fire.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, according to the police officer. EFE
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