LAHORE - Police yesterday launched investigation as four residential buildings collapsed after explosions, killing a person and wounded 10 others.
The incident, which took place inside Mochi Gate in the afternoon, triggered panic in the locality as terrified residents came out of their houses to witness the tragedy.
Police seized at least eight hand grenades and other explosive material from the debris. Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an inquiry into the happening.
Rescue workers rushed to the spot soon after a two-storey building collapsed amid explosions. They launched the search and rescue operation with the help of locals. The narrow streets hindered the operation.
At least 11 victims were pulled out of the rubble and shifted to the Mayo Hospital with serious injuries. Women and children were said to be among the wounded. The injured were being treated at the hospital.
An Edhi foundation official said that one of the victims expired in the hospital. Later, he was identified as Ali Azmat. Police sources said that a two-storey house of Haji Ali Imran caved in with bang. A few minutes later, another three adjacent houses also collapsed.
After visiting the site, Lahore DIG (Operations) Dr Haider Ashraf told reporters that the police were investigating the incident keeping in view different aspects of the happening. He also confirmed that the police also seized eight hand grenades from the scene. According to him, the hand grenades were already defused.
Bomb disposal squad and forensic experts were seen collecting evidences from the site. No arrest was made till late yesterday night. Police were also investigating the possible links of the house owner with some banned outfits. Further investigations were underway.