Authorities have not yet released the identities of the deceased beyond confirming that the newly married couple were among those killed. The other victims include close relatives and friends who had gathered for the wedding reception on Saturday evening.
Sahibzada Yousaf, an Islamabad Capital Territory administrator overseeing the response, stated that investigators are examining the remnants of the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder to determine whether a leak, faulty valve, or improper storage triggered the accident. “We are collecting forensic evidence from the site and recording witness statements,” he said, adding that structural engineers will also assess the stability of neighboring houses affected by the shockwave.
LPG cylinders are widely used in Pakistani households, particularly during winter months when low pipeline pressure limits the availability of natural gas. The cylinders, typically stored indoors, have been linked to numerous fatal incidents in recent years. The International Energy Agency notes that inadequate safety standards and limited consumer awareness contribute to recurring gas-related accidents across South Asia.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences to the victims’ families and directed federal health officials to facilitate “the best possible treatment” for the wounded, according to a statement from his office. He also ordered law-enforcement agencies to conduct a comprehensive inquiry and submit a report detailing the cause of the explosion and any lapses in safety compliance.
The Islamabad police have opened a criminal investigation that could lead to charges ranging from negligence to manslaughter if evidence shows the cylinder was improperly installed or maintained. Officers are also reviewing whether safety guidelines issued by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority were followed by the homeowner and the supplier.
Local media footage from the scene showed shattered windows, scorched walls, and piles of rubble where a section of the house once stood. Rescue officials said the roof of the main guestroom collapsed inward, trapping several people under concrete and wooden beams. Neighbors assisted first responders by providing blankets, flashlights, and drinking water as the operation continued into the morning.
Witnesses told investigators they had smelled gas shortly before the explosion but assumed the odor came from a stove in the kitchen. Experts caution that undetected leaks can disperse quickly in enclosed spaces, turning an ordinary spark—such as from an electrical switch—into a lethal ignition source. Safety advisers recommend installing gas detectors and ensuring adequate ventilation to reduce the risk.
The tragedy has prompted renewed calls from civil-society groups for stricter enforcement of cylinder manufacturing standards and mandatory periodic inspections. Consumer rights advocates argue that a lack of oversight allows substandard or counterfeit cylinders to reach the market, increasing the likelihood of catastrophic failures.
As of Sunday evening, rescue teams had completed debris removal, and municipal authorities were arranging temporary shelter for displaced residents. Hospitals treating the injured requested additional blood donations, while forensic teams sealed off the site to continue evidence collection.
Officials said a preliminary report on the incident is expected within a week. Until then, the neighborhood remains cordoned off, and families of the victims are preparing funerals for the eight people whose lives were cut short just hours after a celebration meant to mark a new beginning.
Crédito da imagem: Associated Press
