Eight killed, several injured in gas cylinder explosion in G-7/2

ISLAMABAD: At least eight people were killed and several others injured after a powerful gas cylinder explosion ripped through a residential area in Sector G-7/2 of the federal capital early Sunday morning, authorities confirmed.

According to initial reports, the blast occurred at a house where wedding preparations were underway and was caused by a gas cylinder explosion, possibly triggered by gas leakage. The intensity of the explosion caused the complete collapse of the house and damaged nearby buildings, trapping several people under the rubble.

Islamabad Police Spokesperson said that Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Islamabad Muhammad Jawad Tariq reached the site soon after the incident and is personally supervising the rescue and relief operation. Senior police officers, along with police, rescue, and emergency teams, are present at the scene and are carrying out rescue activities in close coordination.

“The area has been completely cordoned off, and immediate medical assistance is being provided to the injured,” the spokesperson said, adding that investigations into the incident are underway. Citizens have been urged to cooperate with rescue teams to ensure smooth operations.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Sahibzada Yousuf, while speaking to the media at the site, said that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) received the emergency call at 7:19 AM. “So far, 16 people have been evacuated, while six deaths have been confirmed,” he said, adding that rescue operations are still ongoing.

He added that all access routes to the area have been closed and a building control team has reached the site to assess structural damage. “Three houses have been completely destroyed, while a fourth house has been partially damaged. The structures of neighboring houses are also being checked to prevent further risk,” he added.

Officials confirmed that the house where the explosion occurred was hosting a wedding, which explains the presence of a large number of people at the time of the incident. Tragic reports indicate that both the bride and groom lost their lives in the explosion.

Authorities said the exact cause and motive behind the explosion cannot be determined until rescue operations are completed and a detailed investigation is carried out.

Rescue teams continue efforts to clear debris and search for any remaining victims, while the injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed grief over loss of precious lives in gas leak explosion. He prayed for the deceased and expresses condolences to their families. He expressed wishes for the speedy recovery of those injured in gas leak explosion.

Prime Minister Sharif directed Health Minister, Health Secretary and PIMS administration to remain alert and to provide all possible medical assistance to the injured. The premier also directed Interior Secretary to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa termed the incident a deeply tragic one, stating that the gas leak explosion occurred at around 7:25 AM, resulting in eight fatalities and 12 people sustaining injuries.

He urged citizens to completely avoid using gas at night, reiterating the warning in the interest of public safety. He added that on the instructions of the prime minister, a comprehensive inquiry will be conducted into the incident and a formal notification from the Prime Minister’s Office will be issued.

Randhawa said that inspections of all houses in the affected area will be carried out, and any structure found to have cracks will be declared uninhabitable. Noting that this is a time of grief, he said that illegal constructions will remain illegal and complete details of all residents will be compiled, stressing that the primary objective is to prevent such accidents from occurring in the future.