A devastating gas cylinder explosion in Multan led to a three-storey building collapsing onto another, resulting in nine deaths and two injuries, according to officials. District Emergency Officer Dr Kaleemullah reported that a rescue operation involving 70 personnel over five hours successfully extracted victims from the debris, with a single family suffering five fatalities. The tragedy struck in the Mohalla Jawadian area near Haram Gate.
Multan Deputy Commissioner Retired Capt Rizwan Qadir initiated an investigation, forming a technical team to examine nearby structures. Regional Police Officer Multan Sohail Chaudhry attributed the collapse to the explosion, noting the building’s roof fell onto a mud house below, entrapping inhabitants.
Multan Commissioner Maryam Khan, having visited the site, directed a structural assessment of local buildings to identify and address potential hazards. An inquiry team led by Additional Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Saif will investigate the incident’s causes and consequences while inspecting at-risk buildings for necessary interventions, including possible relocations.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif conveyed her condolences for the lives lost and called for comprehensive findings on the incident in a statement on social media.
