FAISALABAD (MNN); At least 15 people lost their lives and several others were injured on Friday after a powerful gas explosion tore through a factory near Malikpur, Faisalabad, according to a statement issued by the commissioner’s office.
Rescue 1122 initially reported that the incident had occurred after a boiler blast early in the morning, which caused the factory building and nearby structures to collapse. However, the rescue service later revised its assessment, confirming that the explosion resulted from a gas leak — a finding also echoed in the commissioner’s statement.
The commissioner’s office clarified that no boiler was installed in the affected facility. It stated that four factories were operating in the Malikpur area, and a fire triggered by a gas leak in one unit soon spread to the adjoining facilities.
Seven nearby houses were also damaged when the impact of the explosion caused their roofs — along with that of the factory — to collapse. Rescue teams retrieved 15 bodies from the debris, raising the death toll beyond the earlier figure of 10 reported by Rescue 1122.
According to officials, ten injured victims were shifted to Allied Hospital for treatment, while three were discharged after receiving first aid. A five-member committee is being formed to investigate the cause of the incident.
Authorities confirmed that rescue operations had concluded and the clearance process was ongoing. Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar expressed solidarity with the grieving families, calling the incident a tragic loss.
Rescue 1122 said the operation at the glue factory was conducted under the supervision of the district emergency officer, with more than 20 ambulances and fire tenders participating. A distress call about the explosion was received at 5:28am. Videos shared by the service showed rescue workers combing through rubble in search of survivors.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed sorrow over the fatalities and ordered the Faisalabad commissioner to submit a detailed report. Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar directed all relevant departments, including Rescue 1122 and the fire brigade, to extend full assistance. He also instructed traffic police to keep routes clear for emergency vehicles.
The National Trade Union Federation (NTUF) voiced concern over the deaths, terming the incident another example of unsafe industrial conditions. NTUF Secretary General Nasir Mansoor blamed government negligence and demanded Rs3 million compensation for each deceased labourer, along with complete medical treatment for the injured.
A similar industrial accident occurred last year in April when a steam boiler explosion at a Faisalabad textile mill injured a dozen workers and caused the roof of a hall to collapse.
