MUZAFFARGARH: Two persons were killed and another injured on Tuesday in a blast at a junkyard in Sanawan, some 30 kilometres away from the city.

The bomb disposal squad and other law-enforcement agencies are investigating the nature of the explosion.

According to District Police Officer Syed Hasnain Haider, preliminary investigations suggest there is no element of terrorism involved, although the investigation is ongoing.

Locals and rescue officials arrived at the scene. The bodies and the injured were shifted to the hospital.

Sanawan SDPO Sanawan Tahir Ejaz was present at the site along with police teams. The police stated that the post-mortem examinations were being conducted, and forensic teams were analysing evidence at the scene.

The deceased -- Muhammad Arshad (40) and Muhammad Latif -- were labourers working at the warehouse. The injured is currently receiving treatment at the hospital. The police said the junk shop was located on Darra Road in Sanawan. Station House Officer (SHO) Shahid Rizwan Mahota said shop owner Mazhar was not present when his team attempted to arrest him, as he was in Lahore.

A case of murder and possession of explosive materials has been registered against Mazhar under Section 302 of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Sources said the bomb squad team has not yet determined whether the blast was caused by a mortar shell or a gas cylinder exploded.

Police said a similar incident occurred six months ago in Daira Din Pannah, where four people died in a blast.

Published in Dawn, June 12th, 2024