Tragic Gas Cylinder Explosion Claims Lives at Islamabad Wedding
Devastating Incident in Islamabad
Islamabad: A tragic gas cylinder explosion in Islamabad claimed the lives of eight individuals, including a newlywed couple, early on Sunday, according to officials.
The explosion took place in a residence located in Sector G-72, where a wedding celebration was in progress.
Rescue teams reported that eight people lost their lives and 11 others sustained injuries, with 19 individuals rescued from the rubble.
Dr. Aneeza Jalil, a spokesperson for the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), announced that an emergency response was activated to assist the victims.
Sahibzada Yusuf, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) of Islamabad, informed the media that the blast damaged at least four homes and confirmed that the deceased included both the bride and groom.
Initial investigations indicated that the explosion was caused by a gas cylinder leak.
Many wedding guests were present in the house, which collapsed following the explosion, but rescue teams managed to save several individuals from the debris.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his sorrow over the fatalities and wished for a swift recovery for those injured.
A statement from the Senate Secretariat noted that Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani also conveyed his condolences regarding the incident.
He described the event as a heartbreaking occurrence that transformed a joyous celebration into a time of mourning for the affected family.
Gas cylinder explosions are frequent during winter months when the demand for natural gas rises due to heating needs. Some vendors utilize substandard cylinders that can leak under high gas pressure, leading to explosions.