The death toll from last week’s gas tanker explosion in central Pakistan has risen significantly, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The devastating incident, which occurred in Multan, a major city within Punjab province, initially claimed five lives, but that number has climbed to 18 as more casualties succumbed to injuries.
The explosion took place near an industrial area in Multan when a truck carrying liquefied petroleum gas caught fire. Initial reports indicated that five people died instantly, and around two dozen suffered injuries. However, in the following days, an additional 13 victims lost their lives due to the severity of their injuries.
Dr. Mohammad Wasim from Nishtar Hospital in Multan reported that the hospital has been treating numerous injured individuals since the incident. Seven of those individuals remain in critical condition, fighting for their lives.
Police investigations, led by senior official Mohammad Bashir, revealed that the blast inflicted damage to nearby shops and homes. Bashir explained that the explosion and subsequent fires resulted from unauthorized LPG transfer activities. According to the initial findings, individuals were transferring gas from the tanker to cylinders after bribing the driver, an act that ultimately led to the explosion. The driver has since been apprehended.
The blast not only resulted in fatalities but also caused structural damage, as several roofs collapsed due to the explosion’s impact. These collapses contributed to the high number of casualties, adding to the tragic nature of the incident.
Efforts are ongoing to investigate the circumstances leading to this tragic event, as authorities seek to understand how safety protocols may have been breached. This investigation is critical to prevent future occurrences and ensure accountability.
This tragic incident underscores the precariousness of safety regulations and the severe consequences of their breach. As the investigation unfolds, it highlights the need for stringent enforcement of safety measures in the handling and transportation of hazardous materials across Pakistan.
