ABBOTTABAD: A woman was killed and 26 others suffered burns when a gas cylinder exploded in a guest house here on Saturday.

According to district police officer Sher Akbar, the gas cylinder exploded in a guest house opposite the Ayub Medical Complex, claiming the life of a woman and causing injuries to 26 others.

Local people said that panic gripped the city after the explosion as it was heard far and wide. They said that windowpanes of the nearby houses were also damaged.

A police party rushed to the spot soon after the explosion and shifted the injured to the Ayub Medical Complex.

DPO Sher Akbar along with the bomb disposal squad also reached the spot and collected evidence. Later, DIG Hazara, SNGPL and Pesco officials also reached the spot to supervise the rescue operation.

According to an official statement, five of the injured were admitted to the hospital, while the rest of the injured were discharged after first aid. The police registered a case.

Published in Dawn, February 7th, 2016