ISLAMABAD: At least eight people, including a newly married couple, lost their lives on Sunday after a gas cylinder explosion ripped through a house in Islamabad’s G-7/2 sector during a wedding ceremony, officials confirmed. The powerful blast occurred while guests were present, causing the collapse of the house roof and damaging at least four neighbouring homes.
According to Additional Deputy Commissioner Sahibzada Yousaf, rescue teams recovered 19 people from the rubble. Eight victims succumbed to their injuries, while 11 others were wounded and rushed to Capital Hospital and the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). An emergency was immediately imposed at PIMS to ensure timely medical treatment.
Authorities said the deceased included the bride and groom, close family members, and two neighbours. Among the injured were two children, most of whom suffered serious injuries due to falling debris. Medical teams from orthopaedics, burn units, and neurology departments are providing treatment.
The rescue operation, which lasted several hours, involved the use of sniffer dogs and modern equipment. Islamabad Police cordoned off the area, while Deputy Inspector General Muhammad Jawad Tariq supervised operations on-site. Officials confirmed that no one remains trapped under the debris.
Chairman Capital Development Authority Muhammad Ali Randhawa stated that the explosion was caused by a gas leak, a risk that increases during winter months. He urged citizens to avoid unsafe gas usage, especially at night. An official inquiry has been launched, with directions from the Prime Minister and Interior Minister to investigate all aspects of the incident.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, ordered strict enforcement of gas safety regulations, and directed authorities to raise public awareness to prevent similar incidents.
