A tragic industrial accident struck Faisalabad, Pakistan’s key manufacturing hub, on Friday when a boiler exploded at a glue-making factory, killing at least 15 workers and injuring seven others. The massive blast ripped through the facility, reducing large sections to rubble and spreading waves of panic across the neighborhood.

Authorities confirmed that the explosion caused significant structural damage, not only to the factory but also to nearby homes. The resulting fire engulfed the facility, forcing rescue teams and firefighters to work for hours to control the blaze. Local administrator Raja Jahangir reported that several workers were trapped under debris before being pulled out in a frantic rescue operation.

Police have launched a criminal investigation, arresting the factory manager while the search continues for the factory owner, who allegedly fled the scene shortly after the explosion. The cause of the blast is not yet known, but officials suspect serious negligence and poor safety conditions were contributing factors. Industrial accidents of this nature are unfortunately common in Pakistan due to inadequate enforcement of safety regulations and outdated factory equipment.

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Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and directed authorities to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical treatment. She also ordered a full inquiry into the incident to determine accountability and prevent future tragedies of this sort.

This latest disaster highlights Pakistan’s ongoing struggle with industrial safety standards. In 2024, Faisalabad saw a similar boiler blast at a textile mill that injured over a dozen workers. Just last week, another explosion at a firecracker factory in Karachi claimed four lives. The recurring nature of such accidents underscores the urgent need for tighter safety regulations and modernized infrastructure to protect factory laborers.

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