A tragic boiler explosion in Faisalabad’s Malikpur Chemical Factory area has claimed at least 20 lives, including three children and two women, leaving the local community devastated.
A powerful boiler blast occurred inside a glue-making factory in the Malikpur area of Faisalabad, leading to widespread destruction. Rescue teams confirmed that the explosion caused a fire inside the factory, as they completed the operations to control the blaze and remove the rubble.
Rescue officer Ehtesham Wahla said nine houses around the factory were also damaged as the blast triggered a fire. Ten people injured in the explosion were shifted to hospital, out of whom three were admitted to the Allied Hospital's Burns Unit. Hospital officials say seven people were in critical condition.
The commissioner said three of the injured were discharged after initial medical aid, while three were shifted to the burns unit. The victims also included seven members of the same family, including children. Power loom worker Ashiq Hussain along with his three sons also died in the blast. Three other workers of the factory also lost their lives.
Four children and two women were among those who died in the incident, including a young girl whose body was recovered from the rubble.
Surrounding houses damaged
Rescue officials stated that 10 houses surrounding the factory were damaged due to the explosion. Windows shattered, walls cracked, and debris scattered across the narrow residential lanes built around the industrial unit over time.
Residents described scenes of panic as the shockwave from the blast hit the neighbourhood, leaving families confused and terrified.
Rescue officials say firefighting was difficult due to the presence of chemicals, while 15 fire tankers were busy extinguishing the blaze.
Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir, while speaking to the media, said the factory was approximately 25 years old. Over the years, residential population gradually expanded around the industrial site, creating a dense mix of homes and small factories.
The DC added that there were around 100 factories in this settlement, highlighting the area’s high industrial density and the complexities it creates for safety monitoring.
Authorities search for factory owner
DC Nasir confirmed that a team had been dispatched to arrest the factory owner, while police managed to arrest the factory manager and operator. Officials say initial assessments indicate that the blast originated from the factory’s boiler, but a full investigation is underway to determine any negligence or safety violations.
Rescue teams continued their efforts after the explosion triggered a fire inside the factory. Emergency personnel faced challenges due to the tightly packed surroundings and damaged houses, but operations remain active.
