Islamabad, 17 April (H.S.):

A catastrophic gas pipeline explosion in Haripur ignited a ferocious blaze at the Hattar Industrial Estate, killing eight members of a single family—including women and children—and leaving five others in critical condition on Thursday.

The tragedy unfolded near Kot Najibullah's Colony Mor, ensnaring residents in flames that spread rapidly to adjacent homes and a nearby factory, prompting a multi-district firefighting response.

Haripur Deputy Commissioner Waseem Ahmed confirmed the toll, noting three children, two young girls, two elderly women, and one man among the deceased, with six individuals rescued amid seven to eight hours of grueling efforts. Rescue 1122 teams, bolstered by seven fire vehicles from Mansehra, Abbottabad, Mardan, and Swabi, battled the inferno's intensity before extinguishing it and suspending gas supplies across the Hazara Division.

Eyewitnesses described chaos as factory workers fled, but nearby residents—trapped in the residential enclave—suffered the brunt, with five bodies taken to Kot Najibullah Hospital and three to a trauma center.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afreyidi expressed profound grief, vowing comprehensive aid and premium medical care for survivors. District Police Superintendent Shafiullah Gandapur highlighted the ongoing probe into the blast's cause, as authorities prioritize support for the bereaved family amid this heartrending industrial calamity.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar