HARIPUR:
A gas pipeline leak in the Hattar Industrial Estate triggered a powerful explosion and fire late at night, leaving eight people, including women and children, burnt to death, while several others sustained injuries, officials said on Thursday.
A massive rescue operation prevented further loss of life.
According to district authorities, the blaze erupted after a leak in a main Sui gas pipeline ignited, quickly spiralling into a large-scale fire that spread rapidly due to strong winds and darkness.
The explosion sent shockwaves through nearby localities, sparking panic among residents.
Two children and two women were injured in the incident, while two individuals were reportedly rescued alive.
Rescue teams from Haripur, Peshawar and Abbottabad rushed to the scene, evacuating nearby labour quarters and residential areas to contain the damage and avert further casualties.
Deputy Commissioner Haripur Waseem Ahmed said the fire was extensive and posed a serious risk of spreading further, prompting authorities to cordon off the area.
Police personnel, rescue officials and senior officers, including the District Police Officer, remained present on-site throughout the operation.
Firefighting efforts continued for nearly five hours before the blaze was brought under control.
The road leading from the interchange to Hattar was closed to all traffic, while gas supply from Wah Cantt was suspended, disrupting supply to nearby factories as well.
Rescue officials said the bodies and injured were shifted to hospitals for identification and medical treatment.
Among the deceased were children identified as seven-year-old Iqbal, nine-year-old Shahid, 11-year-old Abdullah, 16-year-old Arif Khan and 20-year-old Ali Raza, along with a woman and two other children.
The operation faced significant challenges due to night-time conditions and strong winds.
Authorities said the fire broke out near industrial units in Hattar and could have caused far greater destruction if not contained in time.
A large number of residents gathered at the scene following the explosion, creating an atmosphere of chaos and fear.
Officials, including the Deputy Commissioner, DPO Haripur and Regional Director Operations North Arshad Iqbal, supervised the rescue efforts on ground.
The deputy commissioner said a detailed investigation into the incident has been launched and a comprehensive report will be made public once completed.
