Soldier Bazaar building collapse: owner arrested as probe into deadly gas explosion continues

WEB DESK: Police have arrested the owner of a residential building that collapsed following a gas explosion in Gul Rana Colony, Soldier Bazaar, as investigations into the incident continue. At least 15 died as a result of the explosion.

Soldier Bazaar Police registered a case against the owner, Mohammad Irshad, on behalf of the state, invoking charges including culpable homicide, damage to property, negligence and other relevant offences. According to police, the suspect has been taken into custody and a formal investigation is under way.

Authorities said the building, spread over approximately 40 square yards, had allegedly been constructed illegally in 2007-08 using tile roofing and TR girders. Investigators also claimed that gas connections were installed unlawfully using plastic pipes in an unsafe manner.

Faulty gas line blamed for explosion

Preliminary findings indicate that the explosion was triggered by a gas leak inside a first-floor apartment. Police said the wife of a resident had lit a stove for sehri when accumulated gas in the room ignited, causing a powerful blast.

The Bomb Disposal Squad reported that a defective gas pipeline leak led to gas filling the room, which exploded when a match was struck. CCTV footage has since surfaced showing the building collapsing at 3:47am on February 19.

15 dead, 15 injured

The collapse of the ground-plus-three-storey structure left 15 men, women and children dead and another 15 injured. Authorities said a portion of the building was completely destroyed in the blast, resulting in multiple casualties.

Police said negligence, unsafe gas installation and illegal construction appear to have contributed to the tragedy.