In Islamabad’s I-10 sector, a gas cylinder explosion inside a house resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to three others. The blast took place on Friday when a gas leak triggered the cylinder to explode in the kitchen located on the first floor of the residence, igniting a fire.
Five people, including a woman, suffered burn injuries and were promptly transported to the burn center at Polyclinic Hospital for medical treatment. Despite efforts, two of the injured victims later succumbed to their wounds while receiving care.
Emergency responders and police arrived swiftly at the scene following reports of the explosion, initiating rescue and relief operations. An investigation into the cause of the blast was also launched. The Director General of Capital Emergency Services attributed the explosion to a substandard gas cylinder.
Authorities have emphasized the importance of adhering to safety measures when using gas cylinders and have urged the public to ensure that only certified, high-quality cylinders are utilized to prevent similar tragedies.
Meanwhile, this incident has reignited concerns about gas safety in the capital, recalling a deadly explosion earlier this year in Islamabad’s G-7/2 sector. That blast claimed eight lives, including a bride and groom, and injured about a dozen others. Initial reports suggested a gas cylinder explosion, but residents later indicated the cause was likely a gas leak, as no remnants of a ruptured cylinder were found.
The powerful explosion in the CDA’s 66-Quarters neighborhood, an approved settlement for sanitation workers, caused the roofs and walls of eight small houses to collapse, trapping residents inside. The tragedy sparked widespread mourning and calls for urgent government assistance for the displaced families, many of whom lost their homes and possessions.
Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and other officials visited the affected area, promising compensation and housing support. The Capital Development Authority confirmed that eight homes were damaged, some beyond repair, while others were partially affected. The CDA sealed off the unsafe structures and dispatched technical teams to assess the habitability of the remaining houses.
Temporary shelters were provided, and authorities pledged to repair or rebuild the damaged homes. This earlier disaster underscored ongoing issues with gas safety standards, leak prevention, and emergency preparedness in Islamabad’s densely populated residential zones.
