LAHORE: Three labourers were killed while as many others suffered injuries when the roof of a factory collapsed shortly after a chiller exploded in Shahpur Kanjran, police said on Saturday.

Initial reports suggested that the incident took place when sweets were being prepared at the bakery unit located on Multan Road.

Police said more than 10 employees were working when the chiller exploded and a portion of the roof caved in. Six workers were trapped under the debris while others managed to move away, according to a police official.

He said rescuers had to face a great deal of inconvenience due to a lack of access to the affected area.

Three of the trapped employees lost their lives at the spot while others were rushed to the nearby hospitals, he said adding the deceased were identified as Safdar, Khyzer and Waqas.

Quoting relatives of the deceased workers, the police official said the factory management had closed the main gate as a result rescuers could not get quick access to the affected area.

He said: “It is yet to be ascertained as to why the main entrance was closed by the management instead of helping rescuers in reaching the area.”

On the basis of these allegations two supervisors were taken into custody, the police official said adding action would be taken against the factory owner and others on the basis of the statements of injured workers.

A joint inquiry was launched by the police as well as the city district government authorities, he said.

Meanwhile, residents also staged a demonstration against the factory owner and the management for not following safety protocol.

The district coordination officer has ordered an inquiry into the roof collapse incident and directed the department concerned to submit a detailed report.

Taking notice of the incident, the chief minister has sought reports from the respective government departments, including CDGL and the police. He also directed the health department to ensure treatment to the injured.

The CM announced Rs500,000 each for the deceased workers.

Published in Dawn, September 18th, 2016