A gas cylinder has exploded in the basement cafeteria of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, causing the building to shake. 15 people were injured and were immediately shifted to the hospital for medical treatment.
Following the blast, lawyers and court staff evacuated the building and moved to open areas outside.
Islamabad Inspector General Ali Nasir Rizvi has said that a gas explosion occurred in the Supreme Court canteen at 10:55am. He confirmed that 12 people were injured, including three admitted to PIMS Hospital and nine to Polyclinic.
“The condition of two individuals is critical,” the IG stated. He added that there had been a gas leak in the canteen for several days, and that the explosion occurred while an air conditioner was being repaired.
“Experts have also confirmed that it was a gas explosion,” the IG said. He further noted that the AC technicians sustained the most serious injuries, with one technician suffering burns on 80 per cent of his body.
Rescue operations are underway to provide immediate assistance to the injured. The Bomb Disposal Squad is screening the affected building.
