ISLAMABAD: A powerful explosion inside Islamabad’s National University of Modern Languages (NUML) on Tuesday caused panic across the campus, leaving at least four people injured and prompting an immediate emergency response. According to Islamabad Police, the blast was triggered by a gas leakage that ignited within one of the university’s rooms, setting off a fire that spread quickly before rescue officials were able to bring it under control.
Islamabad Police spokesperson Jawad Taqi confirmed the cause of the incident, stating that a gas cylinder leak resulted in the explosion. He added that all four injured individuals were swiftly transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Their conditions have not yet been confirmed, but officials say timely rescue efforts helped prevent further casualties.
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The fire brigade reached the site shortly after the explosion and successfully extinguished the blaze. University staff, security personnel, and emergency responders worked together to evacuate students from the affected building and cordon off the area to prevent further risk.
Videos and images circulating from the scene showed chaotic moments as students rushed out of classrooms, some visibly distressed. Smoke billowed from one of the rooms while firefighters tackled the flames. In another clip, bystanders were seen assisting an injured person lying on the ground as rescue teams arrived. Witnesses described the moment of the explosion as “terrifying,” with several reporting a loud bang followed by vibrations felt in nearby blocks.
NUML, which began as the National Institute of Modern Languages in 2002 before being upgraded to a full-fledged university, has thousands of students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. The incident has raised concerns about safety standards in educational institutions, particularly regarding the handling and storage of gas cylinders and other hazardous materials.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the gas leak and to assess whether any negligence was involved. Police officials stated that further details will be shared once the inquiry is complete.
This is a developing story, and information may evolve as more verified details emerge. Updates will be provided as soon as officials and credible sources release additional statements. For now, emergency teams remain on-site to ensure the safety of students and staff while the university administration evaluates the extent of the damage.
