One killed, 16 injured in a blast at Johar Town Lahore

LAHORE, At least two people were killed and sixteen injured in a blast in Lahore’s Johar Town area, MS Jinnah hospital said on Wednesday.

It could not be immediately ascertained whether the blast was due to some explosive device or gas leakage. However, the MS of the Jinnah Hospital said the injuries were due to ball bearings and five of the 16 injured were in a serious condition. He confirmed two deaths.

Earlier Punjab’s Minister for health Yasmin Rashid said the number of injured was 16, with one death. However, also pointed that several were seriously injured.

CCPO Lahore Ghulam Ahmed Dogar said the investigation was underway and the experts were looking into the matter.

The police, bomb disposal squad, and rescue teams rushed to the area. Eight injured were shifted to the Jinnah Hospital, while six were provided first aid on the spot.

DIG Investigation Shariq Jamal told news channels that the investigation was underway and evidence was being collected in this regard.

Footage made from mobile phones and shared on social media showed dust, smoke and debris spread in a residential area. Boundary walls of nearby houses had collapsed and window panes shattered.

SSP Investigation Mansoor Rehman said forensic and bomb disposal investigations were being conducted to ascertain the facts.

Eyewitnesses and news camera footage showed that a number of vehicles and motorbikes in the area were damaged. The facade of several houses was badly damaged. Police cordoned off the entire area and forensic teams were investigating.

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