HARIPUR: A tragic gas pipeline leak caused a devastating explosion and fire at the Hattar Industrial Estate in Haripur, resulting in the deaths of eight members of the same family, including women and children, while five others sustained injuries.
The incident occurred after a main gas pipeline ruptured and ignited, engulfing the surrounding area in flames and causing widespread panic among local residents, said Haripur Deputy Commissioner Waseem Ahmed.
He confirmed that all eight fatalities belonged to a single household, comprising three boys, two girls, two elderly women, and one man. The injured included two children and three women. Rescue teams managed to save six individuals alive during the operation, which has now concluded with no one remaining trapped under the debris.
Authorities promptly evacuated nearby labor colonies and residential neighborhoods to prevent further casualties. Additionally, the road connecting Hattar to the interchange was closed to traffic as a precautionary measure.
Gas supply from Wah Cantonment was suspended following the explosion, forcing several factories in the vicinity to halt their operations temporarily.
Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly five hours, with support from rescue teams from Haripur and neighboring districts such as Peshawar and Abbottabad. They faced challenges including strong winds and darkness while working to contain the fire.
Deputy Commissioner Ahmed noted the fire had spread extensively and posed a risk of further escalation, which could have caused even greater damage. Fortunately, the blaze has now been brought under control.
Police, rescue personnel, and senior officials remained on site throughout the emergency response. The deceased and injured were transported to hospitals for identification and medical treatment.
In a significant development, authorities have initiated a formal investigation into the cause of the explosion, promising that a comprehensive inquiry report will be released to the public.
