A tragic gas cylinder explosion claimed the lives of a newly married couple and eight other people in Islamabad early Sunday morning, leaving the city in shock and mourning.
The blast happened around 7:00am while the victims were asleep inside a house where wedding guests and family members had stayed overnight after the wedding celebrations. The powerful explosion caused the roof of the house to collapse, trapping several people under the rubble.
Rescue teams rushed to the scene soon after receiving the emergency call. Broken walls, scattered bricks, heavy concrete slabs, and damaged furniture were seen spread across the house. Rescue workers worked for hours to pull injured people out from beneath the debris. Many victims were carried out on stretchers and rushed to nearby hospitals.
Eight people, including the bride and groom, lost their lives in the incident. More than a dozen others were injured, some of them seriously. Doctors said several injured people remain under treatment, while others were discharged after receiving first aid.
Neighbours said they heard a loud blast that shook nearby houses and caused panic in the area. Many residents rushed outside, fearing another explosion. Police sealed off the area to allow rescue and investigation teams to carry out their work safely.
Initial investigations suggest that a gas cylinder inside the house exploded, but authorities are still examining the exact cause. Officials said a detailed inquiry is underway to determine whether safety measures were ignored or if there was a gas leak.
The incident has once again raised serious concerns about gas cylinder safety, especially during winter when their use increases. Authorities urged citizens to regularly check gas equipment and follow safety guidelines to avoid such heartbreaking tragedies.