Among the victims are women and children trapped in a gas pipeline fire in the Hattar industrial zone.
At least eight members of a family were killed and five others injured after a fire caused by an explosion in a gas pipeline in Haripur in Hazara division of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, officials said on Thursday.
The fire ravaged neighboring residential colonies in a suburban area of the Hattar industrial zone.
Confirming the death toll, Haripur Deputy Commissioner Wasim Ahmad said eight members of one household were killed in the incident, while five people were injured and six others were rescued. “The deceased included three children, two girls, two elderly women and a man,” he added.
He said the fire was brought under control after several hours of effort and the rescue operation was completed.
The massive fire broke out in a gas pipeline near Colony Mor, Kot Najibullah in Hattar Industrial Area, causing panic at a nearby factory. The employees managed to escape, but several people remained trapped in the adjacent residential area.
Rescue and fire teams immediately reached the site and in view of the intensity of the fire, seven additional fire and fire engines were rushed from Mansehra, Abbottabad, Mardan and Swabi to bring the situation under control, a Rescue 1122 spokesperson said.
Read: Russian strikes kill 17 in Ukraine, the worst attack this year
Following this incident, gas supply to Hazara division was suspended.
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi expressed sadness over the loss of lives.
He said the provincial government stood with the grieving families and provided the best treatment to the injured. He gave assurance of all help to the affected families.
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Information Shafi Jan said he was deeply saddened by the incident.
“Rescue 1122 and other agencies immediately launched relief activities as workers from neighboring districts were also involved in the rescue operations to ensure best possible treatment to the injured,” he said.
“The chief minister also ordered the best treatment for the injured people and pledged to provide all possible support,” he added.
