MULTAN, Sept 21: Five people were killed and 10 injured when a stock of fireworks caught fire in a restaurant in the Serai Sidhu area of Khanewal district on Wednesday. Some 20 people had gathered at the restaurant in Haveli Koranga village to watch an Indian movie on cable TV. Some fireworks left unsold after the Shab-i-Barat were also lying in a corner.
A spectator lit up a cigarette and threw the burning match stick on the stock of fireworks. The explosives blew up and the restaurant caught fire.
Three of the victims — Irfan, Altaf and Baber — died on the spot while Nazar and Mitho died at the Nishter Hospital.
Those injured, including restaurant owner Allah Dita, were taken to hospitals in Serai Sidhu, Kabirwala and Abdul Hakeem where they were treated. Most of the victims were teenagers.
Police have registered a case against Allah Dita under the explosives act.
