LAHORE, Pakistan: An explosion took place in Defence area of Lahore on Thursday, leaving at least eight persons dead while several others injured.
The blast occurred in a building at Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Z Block.
The Punjab Health Punjab Salman Rafique said that 23 injured persons were brought to the general hospital where an emergency had been imposed. He said that 4 injured were in critical condition.
The blast also caused damages to 4 vehicles and 12 motorcycles.
The Bomb Disposal Squad told media that 20-25 kilograms of explosive material was used in the blast.
Though the police told media that the bomb was planted inside the building and detonated by a time device but said that nature of the blast could not be be ascertained yet.
However, according to the Punjab government it was a generator blast.
Clarification on Lahore Y block blast: It’s a generator blast and rescue team has reached the site. Please spread this.
— Govt Of The Punjab (@GovtOfPunjab) February 23, 2017
ڈیفنس دھماکا کیمیکل کی وجہ سے ہوسکتا ہے ، رانا ثناءاللہ
— Geo News Urdu (@geonews_urdu) February 23, 2017
Talking to media, the Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said that as per initial investigation, the blast occurred in an under-construction building.
Meanwhile, the Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore also reached the blast site.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif directed a probe into the blast and summoned a report from the Inspector General of Police in this regard.
