Twelve people were injured in a “gas” explosion at the Supreme Court building in Islamabad on Tuesday, police said.
“A gas blast occurred at a canteen in the basement of the Supreme Court building at around 10.55am,” Islamabad Inspector General of Police (IG) Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said while speaking to the media after the incident.
He added that of the 12 injured, nine were taken to the Polyclinic hospital and three to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims). IG Rizvi further told the reporters that the condition of two of the injured was “serious” who had sustained 80 per cent and 30pc burns. “The rest suffered minor injuries, most of which are burn injuries.”
He said police, including special branch and along with bomb disposal squad personnel, had visited the scene of the incident and carried out an investigation.
In multiple videos received by Dawn following the incident, the damaged interior of parts of the SC building is visible with blood stains on the floor. One of Dawn’s court correspondents identified one of the areas as a cafeteria located in the building’s basement.
In other videos recorded outside, people, including lawyers, could be seen spilling out of the building. At least one person, who was visibly injured and bleeding, could be seen being taken away. Another person, with no visible injuries but apparently badly affected, could also be seen being brought out of the building.
Another video also showed policemen present at the site.
This is a developing story that is being updated as the situation evolves. Initial reports in the media can sometimes be inaccurate. We will strive to ensure timeliness and accuracy by relying on credible sources, such as concerned, qualified authorities and our staff reporters.
Additional reporting by Umer Mehtab
