As many as eight people have been killed and several others injured in a gas explosion at a wedding reception in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, on Sunday, officials said.
According to police, the blast was triggered by a gas leak and occurred as members of the wedding party gathered at a house in a residential area of the capital. Tragically, both the bride and groom, along with other family members, were among those killed, while two neighbours also died as a result of injuries caused by the explosion, officials said.
Local authorities and the head of the district administration, Sahibzada Yousaf, stated that emergency services were alerted early on Sunday and that police are still investigating the cause.
He said the intensity of the blast damaged nearby residential homes and shattered window glass.
The area has been sealed for further investigation, and all routes leading to the venue have been closed while emergency services continue their operations.
The official said an investigation to determine the possible causes of the explosion is underway.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif late on Sunday expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of lives and offered condolences to the victims’ families, according to a statement issued by his office. He ordered health authorities to ensure that victims of the blast receive the best possible care and directed a full investigation into the incident.
Follow us
