An explosion in the basement of the Supreme Court caused the building of the apex court to shake. Twelve people were injured in the blast, as reported by national media on Tuesday.
According to a report quoting sources, the explosion occurred during maintenance work on the central air conditioner (AC). After the blast, lawyers and court staff moved outside to open space. Courtroom No. 6 was also severely affected by the explosion.
Before the explosion, Justice Ali Baqar Najafi and Justice Shahzad Malik were conducting hearings. After the blast, the Bomb Disposal Squad reached the Supreme Court and carried out a complete screening of the affected building. The Islamabad Inspector General (IG) also arrived at the Supreme Court and inspected the affected area.
The Islamabad IG stated that gas leakage had been occurring in the canteen for several days, and the explosion happened during AC repair work. Experts have also confirmed that it was a gas explosion.
He further said that 12 people were injured in the cylinder explosion, out of which 3 were shifted to PIMS and 9 to Polyclinic Hospital. The condition of two injured persons is critical.
