At least six people were killed and 38 others injured when a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker exploded in Multan, Punjab, late last night, according to police reports. The explosion occurred due to a fire in the tanker, which was filled with gas, as confirmed by Multan Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Bukhari. Efforts to control the fire are ongoing, with 16 firefighting vehicles at the scene, and more teams have been called in to assist. The local authorities have also shut off gas and electricity supply in the area and sealed off the affected zone.
Rescue teams, including personnel from Rescue 1122, have transported the injured, including women and children, to Nishtar Hospital for treatment. The explosion also led to the collapse of several homes, and about 20 cattle were killed in the blast. The authorities are working tirelessly to contain the situation, with Civil Aviation and other organizations involved in the ongoing operation.
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In response to the tragedy, Deputy Commissioner Bukhari has formed a high-level inquiry committee to investigate the incident and submit a detailed report within 48 hours. Multan Commissioner Amir Karim Khan has also taken steps to ensure stricter regulations, including the preparation of a list of LPG containers in the region and a ban on standing LPG containers in Ganjanabad. Additionally, illegal LPG and CNG filling stations will face raids and closures if found operating without adequate safety measures.
Incidents involving LPG leaks and explosions are unfortunately common across Pakistan. Earlier this month, a similar tragedy occurred in Sindh’s Ghotki district, where a man was killed in an LPG cylinder explosion. Last year, a devastating blast at an LPG filling shop in Hyderabad claimed 27 lives, including 19 children.
In light of the Multan incident, both President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed their condolences, with the PM instructing authorities to determine the cause of the explosion and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.
