The explosion of a gas tank truck in an illegal LPG warehouse in the area of Hamid Pur Kanora de fine killed at least six people and wounded at 31, local authorities confirmed on Monday.
The explosion occurred during recharge operations in the industrial estate, causing a mass fire and sending debris to nearby residential areas.
Among the dead is a younger girl and two women, while 13 of the injured remain in critical condition.
The explosion reduced 20 houses to debris and partially damaged another 70.
The cattle also died in the explosion, which occurred early in the morning. The rubble of the tank truck caused significant destruction in the surrounding areas, and fragments fell on roofs and streets.
The Police officer of the city of fine (CPO), Sadiq Ali, declared that there was a gas leakage for one of the valves before the tank truck exploded.
Many residents had already evacuated after noticing the smell of gas.
To control the fire, more than ten fire extinguishing vehicles and foam fire extinguishing equipment were deployed.
An emergency has been declared at the Nishtar Hospital, where rescue officials are working 24 hours a day to treat the injured.
Gas and electricity in the area were temporarily suspended as a safety measure, although traffic resumed on the fine-muzaffarh road.
The authorities confirmed that the explosion occurred in an illegal LPG recharge warehouse.
According to the reports, the tank truck was transferring smuggling LPG to smaller cistern and cylinders in the place.
Five other warehouse thrusters were destroyed by the explosion.
Police and rescue teams are carrying out search operations in adjacent areas to guarantee security.
Residents have been recommended to avoid the place of the explosion due to the persistence of gas in the air.
