A newly married couple and six other people were killed early Sunday in Islamabad when a gas cylinder exploded in a house where they were sleeping following a wedding celebration, police confirmed. More than a dozen others were injured in the blast.
The explosion occurred at approximately 07:00 local time (02:00 GMT), causing the roof to collapse and walls to be blown away. Debris, including large concrete slabs, bricks, and furniture, was scattered across the floor, trapping several people who had to be rescued by emergency workers using stretchers.
Authorities said the explosion was caused by a gas leak that filled the room before igniting. The blast also damaged three neighboring houses. Deputy Police Commissioner Sahibzada Yousaf confirmed that sniffer dogs and advanced rescue technology were deployed to ensure all victims were safely removed from the rubble.
The chairman of Pakistan’s Senate, Yusuf Raza Gilani, described the incident as “heart-wrenching,” noting that the tragic event transformed a celebration into mourning. He called for stricter safety measures to prevent similar accidents, emphasizing that the “unsafe use of gas cylinders” remains a serious public concern.
Hanif Masih, the father of the groom, told local media that the wedding had taken place the previous day. He confirmed that his son, daughter-in-law, wife, and sister-in-law were among the victims. “Everyone went to bed around 03:00 local time and woke up to the devastation,” he said.
Police have cordoned off the area and launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the blast. Forensic teams in protective suits are combing through the debris to establish the exact cause.
Liquefied petroleum gas cylinders are commonly used in Pakistani households for cooking and heating, but they have been linked to several deadly incidents due to leaks or improper handling. Authorities and public officials have urged residents to adopt stringent safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
