Six Dead, 38 Injured in LPG Tanker Explosion in Multan

Multan, Punjab – At least six people lost their lives and 38 others sustained injuries when a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker exploded in Multan late Sunday night, officials confirmed on Monday.

According to Multan Deputy Commissioner (DC) Muhammad Ali Bukhari, the explosion occurred due to a fire in the tanker, which was fully loaded with LPG. “Efforts to control the fire are ongoing,” he told Dawn.com.

DC Bukhari stated that 16 firefighting vehicles were deployed to the site, with additional reinforcements called in. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority and other relevant organizations were also involved in the operation.

The area was sealed off, with gas and electricity supplies temporarily halted to ensure safety, the deputy commissioner added.

Rescue 1122 spokesperson Arshad Bhutta reported that women and children were among the injured, who were rushed to Nishtar Hospital for treatment. Several houses collapsed as a result of the blast, and approximately 20 cattle also perished, he noted.

To investigate the incident, DC Bukhari established a high-level inquiry committee, demanding a detailed report within 48 hours.

Multan Commissioner Amir Karim Khan has ordered the preparation of a comprehensive list of LPG containers across the division and imposed a ban on standing LPG containers in the Ganjanabad area. He also directed raids on illegal LPG and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) filling stations operating without proper safety protocols, calling for their immediate closure.

This tragic incident has raised concerns over the safety measures surrounding LPG transport and storage, prompting calls for stricter regulations.