At least two people have died and seven others suffered burn injuries after a house in the Shareef Pura neighbourhood of Faisalabad caught fire due to an explosion of a laptop battery on Wednesday, rescue officials told Geo News.
According to the rescue officials, the house — located at the Satyana road — suffered the blaze as the exploded laptop battery was charging. The fire was put off later, they added.
At least nine people of the family, including five children and two women, residing in the house were shifted to the Allied Hospital following the ill-fated incident, said the rescue officials.
Meanwhile, the hospital sources told Geo News that two siblings, a brother and sister, have succumbed to the burns, while seven others are receiving treatment.
All the injured, as per the doctors, are severely injured with around 50% to 60% of their bodies burnt.
After the unfortunate incident, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed regret over the death of children, extending condolence and sympathy to the bereaved family.
CM Maryam, according to the provincial government’s statement, has ordered the provision of the best treatment and medical facilities for those injured in the fire.
Regional Police Officer Dr Muhammad Abid Khan has ordered the senior superintendent of police to begin an investigation into the incident.
Faisalabad deputy commissioner has also formed a committee to investigate the incident. He also assured that those injured in the fire are receiving the best treatment.
In another fire incident, at least 25 rescue workers put off blaze in a paper factory at the Sundar Industrial Estate in Lahore, Rescue 1122 sources told Geo News today. It took the rescue workers at least 14 hours to control the fire.
Last week, a terrifying blaze at the Sahiwal Teaching Hospital claimed the lives of at least 11 infants.
The deadly incident later prompted a high-level probe following the orders of CM Maryam, who vowed exemplary punishment for those found responsible.
During her visit to the affected medical facility last week, the chief minister issued directives to include the hospital’s principal, medical superintendent (MS), assistant medical superintendent (AMS), and admin officer in the inquiry.
She also ordered the arrest of these officers and the termination of their jobs, while reprimanding health department officials over the deadly incident. The chief minister personally reviewed the inquiry report and CCTV footage of the blaze.