A boiler explosion at a glue-making factory in Faisalabad, Punjab province, on Friday, November 21, 2025, killed at least 15 workers and injured seven others, according to local authorities. The blast devastated the industrial facility, triggered a fire, and caused extensive damage to nearby homes, sparking panic across the area NDTV AOL Yahoo News Canada.
Incident Details
The explosion occurred in the Malikpur industrial area of Faisalabad, collapsing parts of the factory building and damaging surrounding structures. Rescue teams rushed to the site, pulling survivors from debris and battling flames that spread quickly after the blast. Officials said the injured were taken to local hospitals, where several remain in critical condition.
Local administrator Raja Jahangir confirmed that the cause of the explosion is under investigation, with early reports suggesting a possible gas leak or mechanical failure in the boiler system News.az Arab News.
Accountability and Response
Police have arrested the factory manager and are searching for the owner, who fled after the incident. Authorities have launched a formal inquiry into safety practices at the facility, amid growing criticism of poor industrial safety standards in Pakistan.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed condolences to the victims’ families and ordered hospitals to provide the best possible care for the injured. She also directed officials to deliver a detailed report on the explosion and ensure accountability NDTV India TV News.
Broader Context
Industrial accidents are frequent in Pakistan, often linked to outdated equipment, lax enforcement of safety regulations, and overcrowded facilities. In 2024, a similar boiler explosion at a textile mill in Faisalabad injured a dozen workers, while just last week, a blast at a firecracker factory in Karachi killed four people AOL Yahoo News Canada.
Experts warn that without stronger oversight and investment in workplace safety, such tragedies will continue to claim lives and undermine public trust in industrial regulation.
Outlook
The Faisalabad explosion underscores the urgent need for modernized safety standards and stricter enforcement in Pakistan’s industrial sector. As investigations continue, families of the victims await justice, while the community grapples with the devastating human and economic toll of yet another preventable disaster.
Pakistan Police Response Team Picture by ASIF HASSAN for AFP picturedesk.com via heute.at
