The dead include women and children trapped in a gas pipeline fire at the Hattar industrial estate.
At least eight members of a family were killed and five others injured after a fire sparked by a gas pipeline explosion in Haripur in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Hazara division, officials said on Thursday.
The fire devastated nearby residential settlements in a suburban area of the Hattar industrial estate.
Confirming the death toll, Haripur Deputy Commissioner Wasim Ahmad said eight members of a family were killed in the incident, while five people were injured and six were rescued. “Among the deceased were three boys, two girls, two elderly women and a man,” he added.
He said the fire was brought under control after several hours of efforts and the rescue operation had been completed.
The huge fire broke out in a gas pipeline near Colony Mor, Kot Najibullah, in the Hattar Industrial Estate, and spread panic in a nearby factory. The employees managed to escape, but several people were trapped in the adjacent residential area.
Fire and rescue teams reached the spot immediately and given the intensity of the fire, seven additional fire and fire vehicles were sent from Mansehra, Abbottabad, Mardan and Swabi to control the situation, a Rescue 1122 spokesperson said.
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Following the incident, gas supply to Hazara division was suspended.
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi expressed grief over the loss of lives.
He said the provincial government was supporting the bereaved families and was providing the best treatment to the injured. He gave his guarantee of all help to the affected families.
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information Shafi Jan said he was deeply saddened by the incident.
“Rescue 1122 and other agencies immediately launched rescue activities and workers from nearby districts also participated in the relief work to ensure the best treatment for the injured,” he said.
“The prime minister also ordered the best treatment for the injured and promised to provide all possible support,” he added.
