Faisalabad factory boiler blast death toll rises to 20

FAISALABAD (Dunya News) – A boiler explosion in a chemical factory here on Friday claimed the lives of 20 people and left others injured.

According to rescue officials, a powerful blast occurred when a boiler exploded in a chemical factory located in the Malikpur area. The explosion triggered a fire inside the factory, and the impact caused the roofs of the factory and nearby houses to collapse.

Authorities stated that rescue teams are carrying out operations and clearing debris from the site. So far, 20 bodies have been recovered, and there are fears that more people may still be trapped under the rubble. Seven injured people have been shifted to hospital

Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir has reached the site and is supervising the rescue efforts.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the incident, her office said in a statement. She offered condolences to the affected families and sought a detailed report from the Faisalabad commissioner.

Meanwhile, Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr. Usman Anwar directed that Rescue 1122, the fire brigade, and all relevant agencies be fully supported in the operation. He instructed police personnel to continue efforts to locate individuals trapped under the debris and ordered traffic police to keep routes clear for ambulances and rescue teams.

In a similar incident last April, a steam boiler explosion at a Faisalabad textile mill left a dozen workers injured. According to Rescue 1122, the blast triggered a fire and caused the roof of a hall to collapse.