Gas Leakage Blast in Islamabad's Christian Slum Kills Eight, Fourteen Injured
Islamabad:
A devastating gas leakage explosion occurred in a Christian Slum Sector G-7/2, Islamabad, turning the wedding celebrations into mourning, leaving eight people dead and fourteen injured in the Christian settlement known as 66 Quarters, in a low-income family. What was supposed to be a time of wedding celebration has turned into a period of mourning for the community. Just a few hours earlier, the family was dancing and celebrating the wedding which had just taken place. The wedding participants (baraat) had returned from Gujranwala, bringing the newly married couple home. Laughter, tired smiles, and celebration filled the air. Guests lay down to rest at 2am, exhausted after a long, happy day. The groom’s father, Hanif Masih, was already dreaming of the wedding lunch (Walima) to be held the next day, Sunday, a new beginning for his family.
A burning stove had been left on overnight. During gas load shedding, the supply was cut off, but the stove remained open. When the gas was returned in the morning, the closed room was filled with gas. A spark from an electric switch triggered the explosion. The intensity of the blast caused four houses to collapse, another six were badly damaged. The victims’ residents have appealed for immediate humanitarian aid to our team on the ground.
Fourteen people sustained injuries in the incident and eight people died. The victims included most family members of Hanif Masih, whose house was among those reduced to rubble, Hanif, lost his son (groom), wife, bride (daughter-in-law) and three others. In a neighbouring house, two brothers lost their lives, leaving behind widowed wives and broken families. Ten people are facing life threatening injuries, remaining in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) including Kashif and Ejaz. Four received First Aid and were released.
The affected settlement is home to hundreds of Christian families who have lived for decades without safe gas connections, proper electricity, or basic civic facilities. Narrow streets, unsafe wiring, and fragile housing structures have turned daily life into a constant risk. The tragedy has raised serious questions about the neglect of informal settlements across the country. The victims were pulled out, but not alive. In one moment, a wedding home became a house of mourning when the accumulated gas ignited inside a government-allotted house where renovation work was underway.
These settlements are home to domestic workers, sweepers, guards, and daily wage laborers. The houses they live in are not planned or secure. Many families, without a permit, extend their small shelters, adding rooms are made of mud and clay so their growing families can fit under one roof. These homes are built with hope, but also with risk. Despite their hardship, these low-income families play a vital role in making Islamabad beautiful and livable.
During winters, load shedding is common in Pakistan, disrupting gas supply. People often unknowingly leave gas heaters or cylinders on, leading to leaks and accidents. Raising awareness about gas safety is crucial to prevent such incidents. We need to educate people and encourage caution.
The incident occurred in their home, raising questions about the cause. While we can’t pinpoint blame, it’s clear that awareness about gas safety is crucial. Our local team plans to on educating people about gas usage and safety measures to prevent such tragedies. Gas leaks can happen, but with proper precautions and knowledge, we can minimize risks. Let’s work towards a safer community, where everyone has access to the information they need to stay safe.
While our team on the ground has provided immediate assistance, the needs of these vulnerable families remain significant. There is much more that could be done for these communities with limited infrastructure. We are seeking further humanitarian aid to support the victims and their community during this difficult time.