Following a gas cylinder explosion in Multan, a three-story structure collapsed on top of another, killing nine people and injuring two more, according to officials.
After a five-hour operation involving 70 rescue workers, the deceased and injured were pulled from the debris, according to District Emergency Officer Dr. Kaleemullah, who spoke with Dawn.com. He said that among the dead were five members of the same family.
The event happened close to Haram Gate in the Mohalla Jawadian neighborhood.
Retired Captain Rizwan Qadir, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Multan, issued an order to investigate the regrettable event. “A technical team has been assembled to conduct a visual assessment of the nearby buildings,” he declared.
A preliminary study stated that the building collapsed as a result of a cylinder bomb, according to Regional Police Officer (RPO) Multan Sohail Chaudhry.
“According to the first report, a cylinder blast caused an explosion in the three-story building,” he stated. “The mud house beneath the building’s roof collapsed, trapping the occupants beneath the debris.”
When Multan Commissioner Maryam Khan arrived at the scene, she also issued an order for a building condition survey.
She said, “The Municipal Corporation has received instructions for the survey of dangerous buildings.” “A high-level investigation into the tragedy will be conducted,” the district administration has decided.
Commissioner Maryam attested to the fact that Nishtar Hospital was treating the injured parties.
Washington, DC Qadir announced that Muhammad Saif, an Additional Deputy Commissioner, will serve as the committee’s chairman.
“A thorough examination of the incident’s causes and damages will be carried out by the inquiry committee,” he continued. “Dangerous buildings in the inner city are now being physically inspected.”
According to the deputy commissioner, a plan will also be developed for the evacuation of residents in unsafe and decaying structures.
PunjabCM offers his sympathies
Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the chief minister of Punjab, lamented the deaths in the incident.
She said, “She extends heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved families and urges immediate action from the Multan commissioner for a thorough report,” according to a PML-N post on X.
