In Multan, a tragic incident occurred where a three-story building fell onto another due to a gas cylinder explosion, resulting in the loss of nine lives and leaving two individuals injured, as reported by authorities.
District Emergency Officer Dr. Kaleemullah informed that a rescue operation, involving 70 personnel, successfully retrieved both deceased and injured individuals from the wreckage after five hours. Tragically, five family members were among the casualties. The unfortunate event took place in Mohalla Jawadian, close to Haram Gate.
In response to the incident, Multan Deputy Commissioner (retired) Capt. Rizwan Qadir initiated an inquiry and established a technical team for a thorough examination of the surrounding buildings.
Regional Police Officer (RPO) Multan, Sohail Chaudhry, reported preliminarily that the building collapse was caused by an explosion resulting from a cylinder blast. He explained that the force of the blast led to the roof crashing onto a mud house below, entombing residents under the debris.
Upon arriving at the site, Multan Commissioner Maryam Khan ordered a comprehensive survey to assess the condition of the surrounding buildings.
Commissioner Maryam announced that the Municipal Corporation has been directed to conduct a hazard assessment on potentially unsafe structures.
Furthermore, the district administration has decided to launch a comprehensive investigation into the unfortunate event.
She confirmed that the injured individuals are being treated at Nishtar Hospital. Multan DC Qadir revealed that the inquiry committee, led by Additional Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Saif, will thoroughly examine the incident’s causes and consequences. Physical inspections of inner city risky buildings have commenced. The deputy commissioner also mentioned plans to develop a strategy for the relocation of residents living in deteriorating and hazardous buildings.
Punjab CM expresses condolences:
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif conveyed her condolences following the unfortunate incident. As stated by PML-N, she expressed deep sympathy towards the affected families and urged the Multan commissioner to promptly prepare a comprehensive report on the occurrence.
