At least ten people were killed and 42 others injured when an explosion occurred near a crowded rickshaw stand in Multan on Sunday evening, police said. The blast took place on Vehari Road of Multan, they added. Multan City police officer Azhar Akram told media persons that the blast occurred when a rickshaw collided with a motorcycle, thereby indicating one of the vehicles was carrying explosive substance as ball bearings have been recovered from the site of the blast.
He suspected that explosive substance was being shifted to some other place when the tragic incident took place, saying that actual cause of the blast will, however, be ascertained by bomb disposal squad. According to him, four people died on the spot, two on way to hospital while three others succumbed to injuries in the hospital.
Earlier, it was reported that the explosion occurred due to a blast in gas cylinder fitted in a rickshaw that was badly damaged. Around seven to eight other rickshaws were also damaged due to the explosion. The area people shifted the dead and injured people to Nishtar hospital where condition of six injured people was said to be critical.
Medical Superintendent of Nishtar Hospital, Dr Ashiq Malik said that of the total 42 injured persons who were shifted to the hospital, 27 were admitted as they sustained serious injuries while 15 persons were discharged after providing them first-aid.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while expressing his deep grief and sorrow over the tragic incident has directed rescue agencies to speed up the relief efforts. He also instructed authorities to ensue that all those who have sustained injuries in the blast must be provided proper treatment facilities.