2 killed, 15 injured in fireworks workshop blast in Pakistan

Islamabad, Aug. 4 (Xinhua-ANI): At least two people were killed and 15 others injured when three buildings collapsed following an explosion in a fireworks workshop in Pakistan's central city of Multan on Saturday, with several people being buried under the debris, local media reported.

According to Urdu TV channel Ary, the incident happened at about 9:40 a.m. local time when fire erupted in a fireworks workshop causing a huge blast in a market place.

"I was going to the market to fuel my car when I heard a huge blast from a house, and in a blink, the building and two surrounding houses razed to ground," Basharat Ali, an eye witness said.

The injured have been rushed to Nishtar hospital where at least six of them are in critical condition.

Several nearby shops caught fire following the blast, and eight fire engines are trying to extinguish the blaze.

Residents said that there used to be similar accidents involving fireworks workshops in the residential area.

Amir Zulfiqar, a police officer, told media that six to eight people are stranded under the debris, and rescuers are striving to pull them out.

He said that after the completion of rescue work, the police would carry out a crackdown on the illegal fireworks factories in the residential areas in Multan. (Xinhua-ANI)