Gas cylinder blast triggers fire in Pakistan Town

ISLAMABAD: A fire broke out in Pakistan Town Phase II on Tuesday after an explosion at a gas cylinder shop, engulfing several nearby plazas.

Video clips of the blaze posted on social media showed towering flames engulfing entire plazas, while thick smoke spreading across the sky.

Residents said the blast was so powerful it was heard across the area, sparking panic.

According to police, the blast occurred around 8pm inside a cylinder shop on the ground floor. Flames quickly spread through the building, engulfing an estimated 12 to 20 flats before fire tenders brought the blaze under control.

Police, special branch teams and the fire brigade reached the site promptly.

Under the supervision of Lohi Bher SHO Fawad Khalid, officers evacuated trapped residents and assisted firefighters in preventing the blaze from turning into a major tragedy.

Senior officers, including SP Sawan Zone and SDPO Sihala, also arrived at the scene to oversee rescue and relief operations. Authorities confirmed that no lives were lost and no injuries were reported.

Locals criticised the lack of timely fire-fighting arrangements, calling it a “moment of concern” and blaming political neglect for the absence of fire brigade services in the neighbourhood.

The fire also caused severe traffic congestion, leaving many motorists stranded.

This is the second fire incident reported within the jurisdiction of Lohi Bher Police Station. In September last year, a grocery store in the area caught fire, sparking chaos and panic.

The blaze caused heavy material losses, but fortunately no casualties or injuries were reported.

On August 22, a fire broke out in an IT Park plaza located in Chak Shahzad, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky.

The fire has been contained and no loss of life has been reported in the incident.

A month earlier, on July 30, a fire broke out at the Corporate Tax Office building in Sector G-9, Islamabad.

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Three employees were trapped on the roof but were safely evacuated, while the Islamabad fire brigade managed to extinguish the blaze without any injuries reported.

However, the cause of the fire could not be determined.