KARACHI, Jan 9: The explosion at Bahria filling station in Defence on Dec 3, according to investigations, was triggered by the ignition of cigarette lighter during a gas leak. However, the sale of lighters at similar outlets in the city continues unbridled.

Though all oil companies claim to adhere to the highest safety standards at their respective petrol stations, the sale of inflammable items and a little negligence may repeat an identical mishap, an expert of the bomb disposal squad expressed his apprehensions.

Out of 17 victims injured in the explosion, three people had succumbed to their injuries during treatment at a private hospital.

The "Select Shop" and other structure of the Bahria filling station were destroyed in a boom on Dec 3, which according to the inquiry reports, was caused by a gas leak that was ignited accidentally.

Soon after the incident, the Sindh government issued a press note that also mentioned the statement of an injured, who ignited a lighter. It stated, "One of the injured, Asim, went inside the Select Shop and asked for a lighter. As soon as the salesman lit the lighter, the fire engulfed the area followed by a loud explosion."

The statement of Asif was also corroborated by the salesman, Safeer, the police spokesman had said. Safeer and two others later died in subsequent days. It was the first explosion of its kind occurred in the city, said a senior police official. He was of the opinion that if some stringent safety measures were not enforced by the authorities concerned such as sale of cigarette lighters at the petrol stations similar mishaps could not be ruled out in future.

Prohibition on smoking, turning off the engine and head lights at the time of refilling of fuel and not using cellular phones are some of the basic instructions displayed at some of the petrol stations, which people even don't bother to read.

The sale of cigarette lighters and other inflammable products at the filling stations needs to be checked, stressed an explosive expert. Besides, irresponsible attitude of the people is often visible when they visit the petrol station with a burning cigarette in their hands, instead of disposing it before entering the premises, the experts maintained.