A catastrophic explosion rocked Multan's Hamid Pur Kanora area early Monday when a gas-filled tanker burst into flames at an Industrial Estate, resulting in six fatalities and 33 injuries. Rescue officials reported that the incident triggered a massive fire, causing debris to rain down on nearby residential areas, leaving significant destruction in its wake.
The explosion, attributed to an LPG tanker, occurred during refilling operations at what has now been identified as an illegal gas refilling warehouse. The fire raged for hours, with over ten firefighting vehicles and foam-based fire suppression units deployed to contain it. Tragically, the death toll, initially reported at five, rose to six after rescuers recovered an additional body from a nearby damaged house. Among the deceased were a minor girl and two women.
Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafiq confirmed 39 casualties, including six deaths, while 13 of the injured were reported to be in critical condition. Rescue operations continued into the morning, with local authorities declaring an emergency at Nishtar Hospital, where the injured were being treated.
Extent of Damage
According to police, the explosion leveled at least 20 houses and partially damaged 70 more. City Police Officer (CPO) Sadiq Ali reported livestock losses and confirmed that the tanker had been leaking gas from one of its valves. Residents had begun evacuating the area after detecting the gas leak, which preceded the devastating blast.
Commissioner Amir Karim Khan revealed that the illegal refilling warehouse had been transferring LPG from a large gas bowser to smaller bowsers and cylinders at the time of the explosion. The bowser reportedly carried smuggled LPG, with five additional gas bowsers destroyed in the blast.
Government Response
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and directed authorities to investigate the causes of the explosion. He emphasized implementing preventive measures to avoid future tragedies.
In response, the Multan divisional administration launched a crackdown on illegal gas refilling sites. Commissioner Khan ordered the site sealed off and directed the preparation of a list of LPG containers in the region. Gas tankers were banned from residential areas, and inspections of school and passenger buses for compliance were mandated.
The Multan deputy commissioner established an inquiry committee, tasked with submitting its findings within 48 hours. Authorities suspended electricity and gas supplies in the vicinity as a precaution and advised locals to avoid the blast site due to lingering gas leakage.
Preventive Measures
The administration plans to target illegal LPG and CNG refilling shops operating without proper safety measures. Strict fitness inspections will be enforced, with cases filed against violators. Officials have also banned the entry of LPG container trucks into densely populated areas to prevent similar incidents.

Blast in LPG tanker while illegally refilling the gas

Illegal LPG refilling blamed for Multan tanker blast; six dead, dozens injured, inquiry launched

Blast Inquiry Underway in Multan, Report in 48 Hours

Illegal LPG refilling blamed for Multan tanker blast; six dead, dozens injured, inquiry launched

January 27, 2025 | 16:18 IST