Fatal Boiler Explosion at Pakistan Glue Factory Claims 15 Lives: Industrial Safety Concerns Rise

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A devastating boiler explosion occurred at a glue-manufacturing facility in eastern Pakistan on Friday, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 workers and leaving seven others injured. Following the incident, authorities apprehended the factory manager while the owner reportedly fled the scene shortly after the explosion.

Officials have not yet determined the cause of the explosion at the industrial site located in Faisalabad, a major city in Punjab province.

According to local administrator Raja Jahangir, the powerful blast caused significant damage to the factory structure and neighboring residences, ignited a fire within the facility, and created panic throughout the surrounding area.

Local police official Mohammad Aslam confirmed that an investigation into the incident has been launched. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed her sympathies to those affected and directed authorities to provide optimal medical treatment for the injured workers.

Industrial accidents and factory fires frequently occur in Pakistan due to inadequate safety protocols. Earlier in 2024, a similar boiler explosion at a textile facility in Faisalabad resulted in injuries to twelve workers. Additionally, just last week, four people lost their lives in an explosion at a fireworks factory in Karachi, Pakistan's largest port city.