ISLAMABAD: A gas cylinder explosion ripped through a house hosting a wedding ceremony in Islamabad’s G-7/2 sector on Sunday, killing eight people, including the bride and groom, and injuring at least 12 others, police and hospital officials said.
The powerful blast caused extensive damage to the house and affected at least four neighboring homes. Rescue teams rushed to the scene and pulled those trapped under the rubble to safety.
The injured were taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where several remain in critical condition.
Khalid Awan, a police official, told WE News English that six bodies were recovered from the debris, while two critically injured victims later died at the hospital.
“Eight people, including the bride and groom, were killed, while 12 others were injured,” he said. Muhammad Taqi Jawad, another police spokesperson, confirmed the recovery of six bodies from the house and said the wedding ceremony was underway when the explosion occurred.
He added that rescue operations have now been completed. According to PIMS spokesperson Dr. Aneeza Jalil, six bodies and 11 injured people were brought to the hospital, where the injured were being provided medical treatment.
Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the Islamabad blast. In a statement, Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The Prime Minister instructed the Minister of Health, Secretary of Health, and PIMS administration to remain on high alert and ensure that all injured receive the best possible medical care.
He also directed the Secretary of Interior to conduct a full investigation into the incident. The prime minister urged the Islamabad administration to raise public awareness about safety measures when using gas cylinders and called for immediate steps to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
A statement issued by the Senate Secretariat said that Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani had expressed grief over the incident that took place “during a wedding”.
He expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. “This is a heart-wrenching incident that turned celebrations into mourning for a family,” the statement quoted him as saying, adding that he expressed concern over gas cylinder explosions.
“Such incidents demand that relevant departments fulfil their responsibilities seriously and ensure safety measures,” he said, stressing the need for an effective strategy to curb the “unsafe use of gas cylinders”. In this connection, he called for ensuring compliance with laws and educating the public about safety measures.
