At least eight people, including a newlywed couple, were killed when a gas cylinder exploded inside a wedding house in Sector G-7/2 of Islamabad on Saturday, officials said.
According to the Islamabad district administration, the explosion occurred while wedding guests were present inside the house. The blast caused severe damage to the building and also affected three nearby houses.
Additional Deputy Commissioner General Sahibzada Yousaf, who reached the site on the directions of the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, said that a total of 19 people were rescued from the affected houses. Of them, eight succumbed to their injuries, while 11 others were injured and shifted to hospitals for medical treatment.
Following the incident, an emergency alert was issued at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where the injured are receiving treatment, hospital officials said.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner said that rescue teams, along with the K-9 unit and modern detection equipment, are carrying out a thorough search of the debris to rule out any further danger. He added that investigations into the cause of the explosion have been initiated.
Islamabad Police spokesperson said that Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Islamabad Muhammad Jawad Tariq is personally present at the scene and is supervising the rescue operation. Senior police officers are also accompanying him. The area has been completely cordoned off, while police and rescue teams continue relief activities in coordination.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the incident. He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and directed the Minister for Health, the Health Secretary and PIMS administration to remain on high alert and ensure all possible medical assistance, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
PIMS administration confirmed that all deceased victims have been identified. One body was handed over to the family and shifted to Tench Bhatta, while five bodies have been moved to the hospital mortuary. Hospital sources said the affected family’s house was completely destroyed in the blast, making it difficult to immediately hand over all bodies.
Hospital officials added that death certificates and legal formalities are being completed. The decision regarding post-mortem examinations and the timing of receiving the bodies will be made by the families.
