20 Killed, Several Injured as Massive Explosion Destroys Chemical Factory in Faisalabad

FAISALABAD — At least 20 people, including children, lost their lives and ten others were injured early Friday when a powerful explosion ripped through a chemical factory in the Malikpur area, destroying three nearby factories and several houses.

According to police, the blast occurred after a boiler exploded inside the Crystal Chemical Factory, triggering a massive fire that quickly spread to surrounding buildings. The explosion was so intense that roofs of nearby homes caved in, and a vehicle parked inside the factory courtyard was also reduced to debris.

Factory owner among those arrested

Faisalabad police confirmed the arrest of factory owner Qaiser Chughtai, manager Bilal, and three other staff members. A case has been registered at Mansoorabad police station under charges including murder, attempted murder, and negligence. Seven people have been nominated in the FIR.

Local residents said they had repeatedly complained about hazardous chemicals stored inside the factory. Despite their warnings, the management allegedly continued stockpiling flammable material. Among the victims were seven members of the same family, whose funeral prayers were held at Malikpur Kabaddi Stadium.

Rescue efforts and devastation

Rescue 1122 and fire brigade teams immediately reached the site and launched search and rescue operations, pulling survivors from under the collapsed structures. The injured were taken to Allied Hospital, where several remain under treatment in surgical, pediatric, and burns units.

Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar confirmed that 15 bodies were recovered from the site and added that four factories in the area were affected after a gas leak sparked the massive blaze. Seven homes adjacent to the factories were also destroyed.

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Government response

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and sought a detailed inquiry from local authorities. She instructed officials to provide the best medical care to the injured and approved transferring patients to specialized hospitals in Lahore or Karachi if necessary.

The tragic incident comes just a day after a separate fire broke out at a plastic pellet warehouse in Ghulam Muhammadabad, where the roof collapsed but no casualties were reported.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of Friday’s deadly explosion as rescue teams clear debris and assess the full extent of the damage.