Newlyweds among eight killed in gas leakage explosion in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - At least eight people were killed, including newlyweds, and 12 injured in a gas cylinder explosion in Islamabad’s G-7/2 sector during wedding event, on Sunday.

The blast occurred while guests were present at the house, according to Additional Deputy Commissioner General Sahibzada Yousaf. He said the explosion caused extensive damage to four neighbouring houses and that all people trapped under the rubble had been recovered.

Rescue teams pulled 20 people from the debris. Of them, eight later died, while others were severely injured and shifted to hospital. The injured were taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where an emergency was declared to ensure immediate medical treatment. Rescue teams evacuated a total of 15 people from the affected homes.

Deputy Commissioner Yousaf said the rescue operation had been completed and no one remained trapped under the rubble. He added that sniffer dogs and modern equipment were used during the search operation to ensure all victims were recovered.

Islamabad Police said Deputy Inspector General Muhammad Jawad Tariq reached the site and personally supervised the ongoing rescue operation. Senior police officers were also present at the scene alongside rescue teams.

The Capital Emergency Service has completed its preliminary investigation report into the tragic incident.

According to the initial findings, the day of the wedding reception proved to be the last day of life for both the bride and groom. The groom, Sherry, an employee of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), had taken his wedding procession to Gujrat a day earlier. The baraat returned late at night at around 1:30 am.

Due to the wedding celebrations and cold weather, a gas heater remained switched on inside the house until late night. However, gas supply was suspended due to load shedding, causing the heater to shut down. When gas supply was restored later, gas leakage accumulated inside the house because of narrow streets, poor ventilation, and confined living spaces.

Early in the morning, when women of the household woke up to prepare breakfast, a matchstick was lit, triggering a powerful explosion.

As a result of the blast, the groom Sherry, the bride, and six other family members lost their lives, taking the death toll to eight. Additionally, at least 12 people sustained injuries in the gas leakage explosion and were shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.

Authorities have stated that further investigations are underway to determine responsibility and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the loss of lives and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. He directed health authorities to ensure the best possible medical care and ordered the Interior Secretary to conduct a full investigation.

PM Shehbaz offered prayers for the deceased and extended condolences to their families.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and conveyed sympathy to all affected by the incident. The minister has directed authorities to ensure that the injured receive the highest standard of medical care.