PESHAWAR, Pakistan — A gas cylinder explosion injured 12 individuals at a roadside cafe in Peshawar on Saturday, near the Khyber Teaching Hospital. Rescue teams were quick to arrive at the scene and began transporting the injured to nearby medical facilities.
Bilal Ahmed Faizi, a spokesperson for Rescue 1122, confirmed that firefighters managed to quickly extinguish the fire ignited by the explosion. The injured parties are currently receiving treatment at Khyber Teaching Hospital.
This incident underscores ongoing safety concerns related to gas cylinder use in public and residential spaces within the region. Similar incidents have been reported recently, indicating a potentially wider issue with gas safety standards and enforcement.
Only days prior, another explosion attributed to a gas leak occurred in a private hospital in the Pishin district of Balochistan. That explosion also resulted in injuries to seven people and caused significant structural damage to the hospital building, including shattered walls and windows.
There have been calls for increased scrutiny and stronger regulations concerning gas cylinder storage and usage, especially in densely populated areas and establishments such as cafes and hospitals which are frequented by the public.
Local authorities and safety inspectors might face pressure to implement stricter compliance checks and reinforce awareness on the proper handling and storage of gas cylinders. These regulatory measures could be crucial in preventing future incidents and ensuring public safety.
The recurrence of such incidents serves as a reminder of the critical need for infrastructure improvements and adherence to safety regulations. Engaging community leaders and the public in safety awareness campaigns could also play a key role in mitigating these risks.
As investigations continue, the community remains vigilant, and local officials are urged to reassess safety protocols and emergency response strategies to avoid similar occurrences in the future.