At least 15 individuals have tragically lost their lives following a severe boiler explosion at a chemical factory located in Malikpur, Faisalabad district of Punjab. The incident, which took place early Friday, resulted in the collapse of factory structures and surrounding buildings, complicating rescue efforts. Emergency responders are diligently working to navigate the rubble and find anyone still trapped. Local officials have confirmed the recovery of 15 deceased victims and the hospitalization of seven others with injuries. The Deputy Commissioner emphasized that district-wide emergency services are fully engaged in the rescue and recovery operation. The provincial police chief has mandated full backing for all rescue teams, including the dedicated Rescue 1122 service and the fire brigade, to expedite the search for survivors. Punjab’s Chief Minister has conveyed her deepest sympathies to the families affected by this devastating event and has called for a detailed inquiry into the circumstances of the explosion. Investigations are underway to determine the precise cause, while safety inspections across other chemical facilities in the region are being heightened. This unfortunate event underscores the ongoing challenges related to industrial safety regulations and their enforcement in Pakistan’s industrial sector.
