ISLAMABAD, Nov 3: Two gas cylinder blasts at a Pakistan State Oil (PSO) gas station near Super Market on Friday caused critical injuries to three workers, sending sock waves through the residents.

Police, officials of district administration and intelligence agencies, fire fighters and emergency workers reached the spot within minutes of the blast. The gas station is owned by an official of Islamabad district administration.

The three employees of the gas station trapped in a ball of fire were pulled out by the rescuers and shifted to the Federal Government Services Hospital, where two of them were stated to be in critical condition.

The first explosion that took place at around 9.20 pm was heard several kilometres around. “I was shocked when I heard the powerful blast. First, I thought it was a rocket attack. Later, I saw a ball of fire engulfing the gas station and ambulances heading towards the Super Market, Mr. Qadri, a by-stander, told this reporter. Roads leading towards the gas station were closed to traffic, causing a terrible snarl-up.

The injured, Fiaz Ahmed, 17, was stated to be 60 per cent burnt, while Khan Zada and Mr. Kamran received 50 and 40 per cent burn injuries respectively. Victims suffering from over 25 per cent burns are considered to be critical.

An employee of the gas station told this reporter that Kamran and Fiaz were working in the compressor room when they found the gas leaking from the cylinders. Hardly had they shouted for help than the first explosion took place followed by another after five minutes, engulfing the entire gas station.

The fire was brought under control after an hour’s effort. Power supply to the surrounding areas was suspended following the blasts.

According to Deputy Commissioner Ch Muhammad Ali, an inquiry committee headed by additional deputy commissioner general (ADCG) had been constituted to probe into the incident.