CHINIOT: Three factory workers, including a Chinese national, sustained burn injuries as a result of a blast in an explosive manufacturing factory near Rajoa village on the outskirts of Chiniot.
Reports said the incident occurred around 8am during the testing of explosives, which involved mixing various chemicals at the local safety fuse explosives manufacturing factory.
The blast resulted in serious burn injuries to three workers Qiang Yuezhou (a Chinese national), Sajid Ali, and Tayyab. All three were immediately shifted to DHQ Hospital, Chiniot, for medical treatment.
Medical Superintendent of DHQ Hospital Dr. Ahmad Niazi said Mr Yuezhou suffered 27 per cent burns, while Sajid Ali sustained 50pc injuries. Both were given first aid and later referred to the burns ward of Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. Tayyab, who received minor burns, is currently under treatment at DHQ Hospital.
Upon hearing of the incident, senior police officials, led by District Police Officer Abdullah Ahmad, arrived at the scene and initiated an investigation.
Regional Police Officer Zeeshan Asghar also took notice of the incident and sought a detailed report from the Chiniot DPO.
Meanwhile, the Chiniot deputy commissioner formed an investigation committee comprising additional deputy commissioner general, city DSP and the chief officer of Civil Defence. The committee has been tasked with determining the cause of the incident and submitting its findings within 24 hours.
The deputy commissioner also directed Chief Executive Officer of the District Health Authority, Shahzad Khalil, and DHQ Hospital MS Dr. Ahmad Niazi to ensure the injured workers receive the best possible medical care.
Factory owner Chaudhry Muhammad Yameen said the blast occurred during laboratory testing of explosives and resulted in minor injuries to some workers, who were promptly taken to the hospital for treatment.
PFA: The Punjab Food Authority (PFA) disposed of thousands of kilograms of vegetables grown on 24 kanals of land using contaminated sewage water.
The operation was carried out using a tractor under the supervision of Deputy Director (Operations) Dr. Muhammad Qasim Raza.
During the action, spinach and coriander crops cultivated in fields near Jhang Bypass were uprooted and destroyed. Dr. Qasim said these vegetables were meant for sale in the local vegetable market.
He said only non-edible crops are permitted to be grown with sewage water.
“Vegetables irrigated with toxic water can cause serious health issues, including gastrointestinal, stomach, and kidney diseases,” he said.
Published in Dawn, April 10th, 2025