ISLAMABAD: As many as 13 people were burnt, two of them seriously, in a gas explosion in the canteen of the Supreme Court on Tuesday.

The incident took place in the canteen located in the basement of the court building at around 10:55am.

Talking to media at the apex court, Inspector General of Police Islamabad Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi said two persons were seriously injured.

Teams from Special Branch, Bomb Disposal Squad and Rescue 1122 conducted an initial probe and examined the scene of the incident, which suggested that there were a complaint about gas leak in the basement and plumbers and technicians were working on it.

Today, there was a massive leakage and smell in the basement. In the meantime, two air-conditioners installed in the canteen were also not working properly. When the technicians were busy in the repair work, the blast occurred, creating a thrust and breaking the window glasses and damaging false ceiling and other items. Majority of the injured were technicians, said the IGP.

He said he discussed the matter with the deputy director and the overall in-charge, both of whom confirmed that there had been a gas leak for the past three days and that they were working to resolve it. The plastic pipes of an oven and tandoor were replaced in the morning, but there was still a gas smell present.

The police also asked for suspending the gas supply till the building was cleared.

Meanwhile, Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi visited the hospital and inquired about the condition of the injured.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2025