What Happened in Faisalabad? Death Toll Rises to 20 After Factory Explosion
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 20 fatalities reported due to chemical factory explosion.
- Over 31 rescue vehicles dispatched to the scene.
- Emergency services worked for over 10 hours to recover victims.
- Local government has declared state of emergency in hospitals.
- Investigation into the cause of the explosion is underway.
Faisalabad (Pakistan), Nov 22 (NationPress) A devastating explosion at a chemical factory in Faisalabad's Malikpur area ignited a significant fire and led to the destruction of ten nearby homes, resulting in the loss of at least 20 lives and leaving seven others injured, as reported by local media on Saturday, citing rescue officials.
The blast occurred at a factory manufacturing adhesives close to Shahab Town's Kabaddi Stadium Ground, with the force of the explosion audible throughout the city.
In a matter of moments, flames consumed the structure and spread to surrounding residences, collapsing roofs and walls, trapping entire families under the wreckage, according to leading Pakistani daily, The Express Tribune.
The deceased included women, children, elderly individuals, and factory workers. Rescue 1122 teams, equipped with heavy machinery and comprising 150 personnel, labored for ten hours under the guidance of District Emergency Officer Engineer Ehtisham Wahla to recover bodies and survivors from the rubble.
Local media reported that a total of 31 rescue vehicles were dispatched to the site. Traffic police ensured a clear passage to Allied Hospital for the transport of the injured and deceased, while the district administration declared a state of emergency at both Allied hospitals and summoned senior medical staff.
Deputy Commissioner Faisalabad Captain (r) Nadeem Nisar, SSP Operations Nasser Mahmood Bajwa, the chief traffic officer, and SP Madina Town were present to oversee the rescue operations.
Residents of Malikpur also took part in the emergency response, assisting workers in clearing debris and aiding victims.
Furthermore, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq expressed profound sorrow over the catastrophe and requested a comprehensive report from Faisalabad Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar.
They directed authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion, according to the media reports.