Explosion at Lahore Bakery Factory Kills One, Injures Eight

A cylinder exploded on the first floor of a private bakery factory in Lahore’s Gulberg area early Sunday, killing one person and injuring eight others, police said.

The blast occurred in the eastern Punjab province of Pakistan during the first hours of Sunday. The factory, which stored flammable materials used in its baking operations, was operating with more than 40 workers on the floor at the time of the explosion.

Rescue personnel rushed to the scene and shifted the injured to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, a Rescue 1122 official told Xinhua.

All of the workers present on the first floor were safely evacuated following the incident. The rescue teams coordinated with medical staff to ensure that those who were wounded received prompt care.

Police said they are investigating the incident to determine its cause. The authorities are reviewing safety procedures at the facility and gathering evidence from the blast site.

Officials have not yet identified any external factors, such as sabotage or accidental ignition, that may have triggered the cylinder’s detonation.

The incident has prompted a review of fire‑safety regulations for industrial kitchens in the region, as local authorities plan to ensure compliance with national safety standards.

Other injuries reported at the scene were treated on site and then transported to the hospital for further evaluation. The mayor of Lahore has expressed concern for the workers and pledged support for the investigation.

The dead and injured are being identified in consultation with their families. Humanitarian organizations are offering assistance to the affected workers and their families during this difficult time.

The explosion has been a stark reminder of the risks in industrial settings that handle large volumes of combustible materials, especially in densely populated urban areas like Lahore.