MANDI BAHAUDDIN:
A powerful explosion rocked the Kot Phalayshah area on Saturday, resulting in six fatalities and leaving seven others injured.
The blast, caused by a fire in a house allegedly used for storing fireworks, led to widespread devastation and sorrow.
Among the dead were four women, a minor and a passer-by struck by falling debris.
The injured were immediately rushed to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Phalia, where they are receiving treatment.
According to Rescue 1122 officials, the intensity of the explosion caused the roofs of two adjacent houses to collapse.
In one house, the roof fell, trapping and killing four members of the same family.
In the neighbouring house, the collapse took the life of a minor.
A passer-by, a woman, also succumbed to injuries after being hit by debris from the explosion.
The victims were identified as Imran, Rimsha, Iqra, Pakeza, Fatima and Zunaira.
Rescue teams evacuated the injured from the rubble, preventing a potentially higher death toll.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire that triggered the blast.
Initial findings suggest that the house was being used as an unlicensed fireworks manufacturing facility.
Such illegal operations are often unregulated and pose significant risks to nearby residents.
A short circuit is suspected to have ignited the fire, but officials are conducting further investigations to confirm the exact cause.
Residents and authorities have expressed concern over the dangers posed by hidden and illegal fireworks operations in residential areas, calling for stricter enforcement of safety regulations.
