At least eight people, including the bride and groom, were killed and nine others injured when a gas cylinder exploded at a wedding house in Islamabad’s G-7/2 Sector late Saturday night. The incident occurred at a wedding house on Street No. 23, 66 Quarters, shortly after the wedding party arrived around 2 a.m., police said.
Initial reports suggest a cylinder explosion, but the bomb disposal squad is investigating all possibilities, including a gas leak. The blast was so severe that the roof of the wedding house collapsed, along with the roofs of three nearby houses, causing injuries to residents.
Rescue teams and police cordoned off the area and are conducting ongoing search and relief operations. Four houses were reportedly completely destroyed in the explosion.
The injured, including two children, were taken to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and CDA Hospital. Emergency teams are treating patients in orthopaedics, burn, and neuro departments. Two more injured later died, bringing the death toll to eight. Authorities are prioritising rescue and medical assistance while assessing structural damage in the surrounding area.
Islamabad DIG Muhammad Jawad Tariq and senior police officials are overseeing the rescue and relief operations. Citizens have been urged to cooperate with authorities during the ongoing efforts.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over the tragedy, prayed for the victims, and directed the health ministry and PIMS to provide the best possible care for the injured. He also instructed a full investigation into the cause of the explosion and ordered public awareness campaigns on cylinder safety.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the incident, emphasised government support for the victims’ families, and directed authorities to ensure a thorough probe and optimal medical treatment for those injured. Authorities continue to investigate the cause while managing rescue operations and community safety in the affected area.
