Pakistan gas cylinder explosion kills 8

AP :

At least eight people, including the bride and groom, were killed early Sunday when a gas cylinder exploded at a house in Pakistan’s capital shortly after a wedding reception, police and officials said.

The explosion occurred while guests who had gathered to celebrate the newlyweds were sleeping at the house, causing part of the building to collapse, according to Islamabad police. Seven others were injured in the blast.

Police said the incident took place in a residential area in the heart of the city.

Government administrator Sahibzada Yousaf said authorities were alerted early Sunday and investigations were underway. He added that several nearby homes were also damaged.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and conveyed condolences to the victims’ families.

In a statement from his office, he directed health authorities to ensure the injured receive proper treatment and ordered a full investigation into the incident.

Many households in Pakistan rely on liquefied petroleum gas cylinders due to low natural gas pressure, and such cylinders have often been linked to fatal accidents caused by gas leaks. Police said investigations were continuing.