Wedding Celebration Turns Tragic in Islamabad
A newly married couple were among eight people killed when a gas cylinder exploded inside a residential house in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, just a day after their wedding, police said.
The blast occurred early Sunday morning while the couple and several family members and guests were asleep in the house following wedding celebrations. Authorities said more than a dozen others were injured in the incident.
Explosion Causes Building Collapse
Emergency officials said the explosion happened around 7:00am local time, triggering a partial collapse of the roof and severely damaging the structure. Sections of the walls were blown apart, leaving debris, furniture and concrete slabs scattered inside the home.
Rescue teams rushed to the scene and worked through the rubble to reach survivors. Several injured people were trapped beneath the debris and were carried out on stretchers before being taken to nearby hospitals.
Gas Leak Believed to Be Cause
Investigators said preliminary findings suggest the explosion was caused by a gas leak that allowed fuel to accumulate inside the room before igniting. Three neighbouring houses were also damaged by the force of the blast.
Liquefied petroleum gas cylinders are widely used in Pakistani households for cooking and heating. Safety experts have repeatedly warned that leaks and poor maintenance can lead to deadly accidents.
Family Shares Heartbreaking Details
Hanif Masih, the groom’s father, told local media that his son had been married just a day earlier. The newlyweds, along with relatives and wedding guests, went to sleep in the house after returning from celebrations.
He said the family retired for the night around 3:00am, only to be jolted awake hours later by the explosion. Masih confirmed that his son, daughter-in-law, wife and sister-in-law were among those who lost their lives.
Authorities Respond and Launch Investigation
Police cordoned off the area soon after the explosion and launched an investigation into the incident. Forensic teams in protective clothing were deployed to examine the debris and determine the exact cause.
Deputy Police Commissioner Sahibzada Yousaf said sniffer dogs and specialised equipment were used to ensure no one remained trapped under the rubble.
Officials Call for Better Safety Measures
Pakistan’s Senate Chairman, Yusuf Raza Gilani, described the incident as deeply distressing, saying a moment of joy had suddenly turned into mourning.
He urged authorities to take stronger action to address unsafe gas cylinder use and ensure stricter enforcement of safety standards. Gilani said such incidents highlight the need for responsible oversight by relevant departments to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to establish whether safety violations or faulty equipment contributed to the deadly blast.