One dead, six wounded in Lahore cylinder explosion

LAHORE: A mechanic died and six others were injured on Saturday when a blast took place inside a shop that repaired air conditioners.

The blast took place in the city’s Township area. The body and the injured persons were shifted to Jinnah Hospital by rescue officials.

A mechanic named Hafiz Mahmood, aged 22, was repairing an air conditioner when the blast took place.

A police spokesperson said that an initial investigation suggests that the blast, which occurred at an electronics shop, took place as gas was being filled in a refrigerator. A milad gathering was also being held nearby.

A statement released by the Punjab counterterrorism department (CTD), said that a blast occurred at about 7:50pm in front of a workshop in Township, Lahore.

“According to an initial investigation, it seems that a compressor [blew up]. Pieces of the compressor have been found,” said the statement, adding that no traces of explosives have been found.

The statement confirmed that the deceased was a technician who was working on repairing a fridge.

The injured were identified as Ahsaanm Abdul Ghafoor, Abu Bakr, Afaq, Muhmmad Aslam and Dilshad.

The area was cordoned off and bomb disposal squads along with rescue officials arrived at the scene.