MULTAN: An explosion in a gas-filled bowser in the Multan Industrial Estate claimed the lives of five people and injured 31 others, rescue officials said.
According to officials, the LPG tanker ( bowser) caught fire after the explosion, causing it to burst. Pieces of the tanker scattered into nearby residential areas.
Rescue teams worked for several hours to control the fire. Over 10 fire brigade vehicles were used, and foam was sprayed to douse the flames.
Multan CPO Sadiq Ali Dogar told a private TV channel that several houses were destroyed, and livestock were killed in the explosion. Gas leakage from the tanker continued after the incident, prompting the evacuation of the affected area.
The injured were taken to Nishtar Hospital, where an emergency was declared. Several injured people are reported to be in critical condition.
Electricity and gas supply to the area was cut off, and Multan-Muzaffargarh Road was reopened after hours of closure. A search operation is underway in the affected neighborhoods.
Police and rescue teams are investigating the cause of the accident and assessing the damages.
