Boiler blast at Faisalabad chemical factory claims 17 lives, injures 20

At least 17 people died while 20 others received injuries after a boiler blast at a chemical factory in Malikpur, Faisalabad. The incident occurred early Friday morning.

Following the explosion, a fire engulfed the factory. The blast was so powerful that the building collapsed, and even the roofs of adjacent houses were damaged.

Rescue officials recovered the bodies of 4 children and 13 men and women. While 10 wounded victims are said to be critical as they were rushed to the Allied Hospital after the incident.

Faisalabad Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir is supervised the relief efforts.

According to the police officials, factory manager Bilal has been arrested while Qaiser Chugtai, owner of the factory fled away after the incident. Raids are being conducted to arrest him.

Local residents have demanded action against the factory located in the populated area.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Punjab Police (IGP), Dr Usman Anwar, directed that Rescue 1122, the fire brigade, and all relevant departments be provided full cooperation.

In a statement, he said that police officers and personnel should continue rescue operations to search for people trapped under the debris. He also instructed the traffic police to ensure easy access for ambulances and other rescue vehicles to the accident site.