Pakistan: 15 killed, many injured after gas leak triggers blast at Faisalabad factory

At least 15 people were killed and several others injured after a powerful explosion tore through a factory in Malikpur near Faisalabad on Friday morning, Dawn reported citing officials.

The early-morning blast caused the factory roof and nearby houses to collapse.

According to the report, rescuers first suggested a boiler explosion but later confirmed the blast was triggered by a gas leak. Faisalabad Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar’s office said that “no boiler was present in the factory” and that a gas leak had sparked a fire which spread to adjacent units.

Houses caved in under the impact

“So far, rescue teams have recovered 15 bodies from the rubble, and seven injured have been shifted to hospital,” Deputy Commissioner Anwar said, adding that the entire district administration was involved in the operation.

Rescue operation and inquiry

Rescue 1122 said it received the call at 5:28 am, after which more than 20 ambulances and fire tenders were dispatched. The rescue operation has now been completed, with clearance work underway. Ten injured people were taken to Allied Hospital, while three were discharged after first aid.

A five-member inquiry committee has been set up to determine the cause of the incident and assess safety compliance at the four factories operating in Malikpur, according to Dawn.

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Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed grief over the deaths and sought a detailed report. Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar directed all agencies to ensure full support at the site and maintain clear routes for ambulances.

Workers raise safety concerns

The National Trade Union Federation (NTUF) called the incident “tragic” and blamed poor industrial safety standards. NTUF Secretary General Nasir Mansoor said factories had “turned into death traps for labourers” and accused authorities of “criminal negligence.” The group demanded Rs 3 million compensation for each victim’s family and full medical care for the injured.

Pak Industrial accidents persist

The region has witnessed similar incidents in recent years. In April last year, a steam boiler explosion at a Faisalabad textile mill injured a dozen workers after a hall roof collapsed.