Pakistan News: At least 15 people were killed and several others injured after a boiler exploded at a glue factory in Faisalabad, Punjab province, Pakistan, on Friday morning. The blast, caused by a burst gas pipeline, led to the collapse of the factory building and damaged nearby homes. Among the victims were six children and two women. Rescue teams are actively working to remove debris and evacuate people trapped in the wreckage.
Gas explosion triggered the incident
Initially, reports indicated that the incident was caused by a boiler blast; however, officials later confirmed that a gas explosion triggered the collapse of a factory and nearby structures in Malikpur. According to reports, at least seven people are receiving treatment in hospitals. The blast took place at around 5 am in a glue manufacturing factory in Malikpur area. The strong explosion caused the entire building to collapse, followed by the massive fire. The Faisalabad Control Room had received a call about the explosion at the glue factory at 5:28 am.
Faisalabad Commissioner denies boiler blast
Dawn quoted a statement from Faisalabad Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar’s office, that denied the presence of boiler in the factory, adding “A fire erupted in one of the factories due to gas leakage and engulfed the other factories as well.” Ten of the injured people were taken to Allied Hospital, and three were discharged after first aid. Seven houses in the area were also affected, the statement noted.
The news outlet also quoted National Trade Union Federation (NTUF) Secretary General Nasir Mansoor, who expressed concern over the “tragic deaths of labourers”. In a statement, he expressed solidarity with their families, while accusing governments and the labour department of “criminal negligence”. “Factories have turned into death [traps] for labourers and industrialists are doling out death certificates,” he said.
