DID Press: A massive explosion at a chemical factory in the Malakpur area of Faisalabad early Friday killed at least 20 people and injured seven others, six of whom are reported in critical condition. The blast was so powerful that it destroyed the roofs of six houses and damaged 11 others.
Pakistani police said Bilal Imran, the factory manager, and three administrative staff have been arrested, while the owner of the industrial unit remains at large. Authorities have filed charges against the owner, the manager, and five workers, including terrorism, murder, attempted murder, negligence, and illegal storage of flammable materials. A manhunt for seven suspects is ongoing.
Police reported that highly flammable chemicals were stored in a container on the factory premises, and local residents had repeatedly warned of the danger. Initial investigations indicate the explosion occurred when this container detonated. Rescue teams suspect that a boiler or cooker used to heat chemicals may have triggered the blast.
The factory was reportedly operating illegally in a residential area.
Rescue teams, facing narrow alleys, dirt roads, and hazardous chemical fumes, completed about ten hours of search operations. Victims’ bodies, including several members of a single family, were recovered from the rubble, and the injured were transported to hospitals for treatment.