Multan fireworks blast leaves seven people dead

The death toll in an explosion in the stock of fireworks located in the city’s busy commercial center of Hussain Agahi Cowk on Saturday has risen to seven.
The blast took place in the fireworks and firecrackers piled up at a house situated in Gurr Mandi near Hussain Agahi Cowk causing the building to cave in. Other nearby buildings received damages in the blast.
As a result of explosion, three people present in the house were killed and more than 20 were injured including women and children.
After the explosion, rescue teams reached the site and transported the injured to Nishtar Hospital Multan, where four more people succumbed to their injuries. The police have cordoned off the entire area and started investigations.
According to CPO Amir Zulfiqar, a case of keeping fireworks had already been registered against the occupants of the house where the explosion occurred. SHO has been suspended for insufficient security while departmental enquiry is being held against DSP for criminal negligence.
The police have taken owner of the house Zulfiqar into custody from Nishtar Hospital in injured condition. Zulfiqar had adopted the stance that this was his father-in-law’s house.
Meanwhile, Punjab IG Haji Habib-ul-Rehman has taken notice of the blast at Multan fireworks factory.
According to police spokesman, the Inspector General on Saturday directed CPO Multan to take action against those responsible in the incident.
Punjab IG has also issued orders to launch crackdown against illegal firework factories.
PML-N leader Malik Ishtiaq came at the scene and promised for immediate action against those involved in the incident.
PTI leader Javed Hashmi also came at the affected area and said that a committee must be formed to investigate regarding the incident.