Casualties Rise as Rescue Teams Clear Rubble
Officials in Faisalabad confirmed that the death toll from the factory explosion has reached 20. Seven injured survivors are receiving treatment at local hospitals. Doctors say several victims remain in critical condition.
The blast tore through the chemical factory after a gas leak ignited inside the building. The explosion also damaged nearby homes. Several roofs collapsed and trapped residents under heavy debris, a situation similar to another recent boiler blast in the city, covered here: Faisalabad Factory Blast Kills 15. Women and children numbered among the dead.
Rescue teams reached the area quickly and pulled victims from the rubble. They also evacuated neighbouring houses to prevent further casualties. Workers say the force of the explosion shook buildings across the neighbourhood.
Authorities Launch Investigation
District officials formed a five-member committee to investigate the cause of the blast. The team includes police officers, industrial safety experts, and local administrators. They aim to deliver a preliminary report within a few days.
Police filed criminal charges against the factory owner and the manager. These charges include murder, attempted murder, and violations of the Explosives Act. Officers also added terrorism-related clauses due to the high casualty count.
Factory owner Muhammad Qaiser surrendered to police shortly after the incident. Officers also arrested the factory manager. Investigators are now examining whether the factory handled chemicals illegally or ignored safety rules.
Firefighters Contain Flames After Hours of Work
Firefighters battled thick smoke and strong flames when they entered the building. They brought the fire under control after several hours of continuous work. Crews prevented the flames from spreading to nearby warehouses that held flammable goods.
Heavy machinery struggled to enter the narrow streets around the factory. Rescue workers therefore removed much of the rubble by hand. They cleared debris from surrounding houses, but they still continue work inside the factory compound.
Residents described the moment of the blast as terrifying. Many people rushed out of their homes, thinking an earthquake had struck the area.
Industrial Safety Concerns Grow Across Pakistan
Pakistan has a long history of industrial accidents. Many factories operate without proper safety systems or updated licenses. Labour groups say thousands of workers face daily risks because owners ignore safety guidelines.
Pakistan’s worst industrial disaster occurred in Karachi in 2012, when a garment factory fire killed more than 250 workers. The tragedy exposed systemic weaknesses in inspections and regulation. Activists say reforms since then have moved slowly.
Faisalabad houses a large number of textile and chemical factories. Industrial experts warn that chemical plants carry high risk because they store volatile materials. They argue that factories often lack fire suppression systems and trained emergency responders.
Government Promises Action as Families Seek Justice
Local officials say they will take strict action if investigators confirm negligence. The provincial government may also consider new safety measures for industrial zones.
Families of the victims have demanded justice. Many residents say they did not know a hazardous facility operated so close to their homes. They want stronger oversight to prevent similar disasters.
The community remains in shock as rescue teams finish recovery operations. Authorities expect to assess the full scale of structural damage in the coming days. Residents now hope the tragedy forces meaningful changes in industrial safety practices.
