At least 25 people lost their lives, and more than 240 others were injured in a shocking series of LPG cylinder explosions and related fires throughout Punjab province.
The data, compiled by the LPG Distributors Association and shared with media outlets, reveals a total of 488 incidents over the recent period, highlighting a severe public safety emergency.
Women and children were among the victims, with several survivors facing permanent disabilities due to severe burns and other trauma. Of the injured, around 286 required hospital treatment, though 44 were later discharged.
Major Cities Hardest Hit
Lahore emerged as the epicenter, recording a staggering 170 incidents, followed by Faisalabad (50), Rawalpindi (38), and Gujranwala (25).
Other districts reported significant cases, including Multan (18 incidents, 8 injured), Sargodha (19 incidents, 23 injured, 8 fatalities), Sheikhupura (19 incidents, 29 injured), and Bahawalnagar (16 incidents, 10 injured). Smaller numbers occurred in areas like Bahawalpur, Gujrat, Attock, and Chakwal, while some districts such as Hafizabad and Lodhran reported zero incidents.
The association has pointed to substandard, non-certified cylinders as the primary cause, with illegal manufacturing and sales continuing openly in cities like Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Multan despite crackdowns involving law enforcement.
Authorities have initiated actions against violators, but the persistence of low-quality cylinders raises concerns about ongoing risks in households reliant on LPG for cooking and heating.
This surge underscores the urgent need for stricter regulations, better quality controls, and public awareness campaigns to prevent such preventable tragedies.