A horrifying incident in Islamabad’s Sector G-7/2 turned wedding celebrations into grief when a gas cylinder explosion claimed the lives of eight people, including a newly married couple.

The blast occurred early Sunday morning at around 7:00 a.m., triggering a partial structural collapse that severely damaged four neighboring houses. The powerful explosion left several residents trapped beneath the rubble, sending shockwaves through the normally quiet neighborhood.

Emergency teams from Rescue 1122, the district administration, and K-9 units immediately launched an intensive rescue operation. Fifteen people were pulled alive from the debris and shifted to nearby hospitals. Tragically, five of the injured later succumbed to their wounds, bringing the death toll to eight. Eleven others remain injured and are receiving medical treatment.

Authorities have confirmed that all trapped individuals were successfully rescued and that relief operations have now been completed. Investigations are currently underway to determine the exact cause of the explosion, while safety inspections and damage assessments of the affected homes continue.

As Islamabad mourns yet another preventable tragedy, serious questions are once again being raised about gas cylinder safety, improper storage, and the lack of strict enforcement of safety regulations. For grieving families and a shaken community, the incident stands as a painful reminder of the devastating consequences of negligence.

Every year, many such tragic incidents take place in which people lose their lives, yet there seems to be no one to monitor or prevent them. Gas cylinder explosions and people burning to death have sadly begun to feel like a “normal” occurrence.

Due to the unavailability of gas, citizens are left with no choice but to rely on cylinders and compressors. Severe gas shortages turn winters into a time of hardship rather than comfort. Most gas cylinders in use are poorly maintained, prone to leakage, and rarely inspected.

The government must take this issue seriously by introducing and enforcing strict regulations for gas cylinder suppliers. Proper safety checks, regular inspections, and a strong system of accountability are urgently needed to prevent such devastating and avoidable losses of life.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)