A deadly gas explosion in Hattar Industrial Estate has left eight people dead and several injured, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The incident triggered a massive fire, with flames visible from afar.
The explosion occurred due to a gas leakage in a pipeline operated by Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited in Haripur.
The blast caused an intense fire that quickly spread to a nearby slum settlement, engulfing homes and trapping residents.
Eight killed, several injured
According to Deputy Commissioner Waseem Ahmed, eight people lost their lives, while at least five others were injured.
The deceased belonged to the same family and included three children, two girls, two elderly women, and one man.
Six people were rescued alive during the operation, and authorities confirmed that no one else remains trapped.
Massive rescue operation launched
Fire brigades and rescue teams from multiple districts, including Abbottabad, Mansehra, Swabi, Mardan, Charsadda, Wah Cantt, and Taxila, rushed to the scene.
The response was led by Rescue 1122, with firefighters battling the blaze for hours.
Officials, including MS Dr Munawar Afridi, DPO Shafiullah Gund, and Assistant Commissioner Fasih Ishaq Abbasi, were present on-site to oversee operations.
Authorities shut down the main gas pipeline valve to contain the fire. However, due to high pressure in the line, it took nearly two hours for the flames to subside.
By around 9:00 PM, the gas pressure significantly decreased, allowing firefighters to fully control the blaze.
Three bodies were shifted to the Haripur Trauma Center, while five were taken to the Rural Health Center in Kot Najibullah.
The injured were also moved to nearby hospitals, where they are receiving medical treatment.
