A devastating gas cylinder explosion late Friday night in Irum Colony, Mardan, led to the collapse of a two-storey residential house, resulting in the tragic deaths of six family members and injuries to two others, local rescue authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred around midnight when a suspected gas leak ignited, causing a powerful blast that brought down the upper floor of the home, trapping its residents beneath heavy debris.
Rescue 1122 teams were dispatched immediately upon receiving the emergency alert and worked under challenging conditions to recover the victims. “Eight people were pulled from the rubble — six of them were already deceased,” said a Rescue 1122 spokesperson. “The remaining two were severely injured and were shifted to the district hospital for treatment.”
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All the deceased belonged to the same family, officials reported, underscoring the magnitude of the loss. Preliminary findings suggest the explosion was triggered by gas accumulation inside the house overnight, possibly due to a leak from a gas cylinder or pipeline.
Heart-wrenching scenes unfolded as neighbors and rescuers sifted through the wreckage, offering prayers and assistance. The tragic event has left the local community in shock and mourning.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion, and safety advisories regarding gas usage have been reissued across the region.
This incident adds to the growing list of domestic gas-related accidents in Pakistan, highlighting the urgent need for public awareness and stricter safety compliance, especially during the summer months when gas usage fluctuates unpredictably.
