Explosion in gas pipeline in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, eight dead, five in critical condition

islamabad. Eight people died in an explosion in a gas pipeline in Haripur in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The condition of the other five who were hit by the blast is critical.

Women and children are also included in the dead. All the deceased belong to the same family. All of them were trapped in the fire that broke out in the gas pipeline in Hattar Industrial Estate. Fire brigade vehicles had to be called from nearby areas to extinguish the fire.

According to The Express Tribune newspaper report, Haripur Deputy Commissioner Wasim Ahmed, while confirming the number of dead and injured, said that the accident happened on Thursday.

Six people trapped in the fire were rescued. The dead include three children, two girls, two elderly women and a man. He said that after seven-eight hours of efforts, the fire was brought under control and the rescue operation has been completed.

According to eyewitnesses, the fire suddenly broke out in a gas pipeline at Kot Najibullah near Colony Turn in Hattar Industrial Estate. This created chaos in a nearby factory. The factory employees somehow escaped, but many people were trapped in the nearby residential area.

A spokesperson of Rescue 1122 said that rescue and fire teams immediately reached the spot. Considering the intensity of the fire, seven additional fire vehicles and firefighters were called from Mansehra, Abbottabad, Mardan and Swabi. After this incident, gas supply was stopped in Hazara division.

Provincial Chief Minister Sohail Afridi expressed grief over the loss of lives and property. He said that the provincial government stands with the families of the victims and is providing best treatment to the injured.

He assured all possible help to the affected families. In this regard, Haripur District Superintendent of Police Shafiullah Gandapur said that five bodies were taken to Kot Najibullah Hospital and three to Trauma Center. The condition of the injured is critical.