Gas cylinder explosion at restaurant in Pakistan kills 3

MULTAN, Pakistan – A Pakistani rescue official says a gas cylinder exploded at a restaurant in the central city of Multan and killed at least three people.

Dr Kaleem Ahmed says the blast took place on Monday in the restaurant’s cooking area and caused the partial collapse of the roof and a wall at the premises. He says 25 people were injured in the accident.

He says the victims were transferred to hospital for treatment. Six of them are listed in critical condition, with severe burns.

Police say they are investigating the restaurant’s owner over possible violations of safety codes at the facility.

Explosions of gas cylinders and other similar accidents are common in Pakistan, mainly because of lack of sufficient enforcement of safety standards.