Wedding turns tragic as bride, groom among 8 killed in gas cylinder blast in Islamabad

At least eight people, including the bride and groom, were killed on Sunday when a gas cylinder exploded at a house in Islamabad’s G-7/2 sector where a wedding ceremony was under way, police and officials said.

Several others were injured in the blast. In a statement, police said the explosion occurred in a residential area in the heart of the capital city.

Authorities said the explosion occurred around 2am, shortly after the wedding procession arrived at the house in Sector G-7/2 Islamabad. The blast was so powerful that it caused the building to collapse, trapping several people under the debris.

Authorities said a full investigation would be conducted to determine the exact cause of the explosion and to take necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Mourners react after the death of their relatives following a gas cylinder explosion in a Christian colony in Islamabad. AFP

The blast occurred while guests were present at the house, according to Additional Deputy Commissioner General Sahibzada Yousaf. He said the explosion caused extensive damage to four neighbouring houses and that all people trapped under the rubble had been recovered.

Rescue teams pulled 19 people from the debris. Of them, eight have died, while 11 others were injured and shifted to different hospitals in Islamabad.

Officials confirmed that the deceased include the bride and groom, their mother, uncle, aunt, and cousin, as well as two neighbours, Waseem and Naeem.

The injured were taken to the Capital Hospital and Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where an emergency was imposed to ensure immediate medical treatment.

Forensic officials use metal detectors to inspect amid the debris of a damaged house after a gas cylinder explosion in Islamabad. AFP

Hanif Masih, the father of the deceased groom, said while speaking to the media that his son’s wedding was held on Saturday and they had reached home late yesterday night.

“At the time of the incident (explosion), I was present at home but sleeping in a separate room adjacent to the house. I woke up after hearing a loud explosion and rushed to the place of the incident, but by that time everything had already been destroyed,” he said.

He said apart from his son and daughter-in-law, his sister-in-law was also among the deceased, and his daughter and other family members were admitted to the hospital.

Masih, excused from speaking any further, saying that he was overcome with grief.

An emergency has been imposed at PIMS Hospital on the instructions of the Executive Director PIMS, according to hospital spokesperson Dr Aneesa Jalil.

Mourners react after the death of their relatives following a gas cylinder explosion in Islamabad. AFP

A total of 11 injured people, including two children, were also shifted to the hospital, Dr Jalil confirmed and most of the injured sustained severe injuries due to the collapse of the roof following the explosion.

Treatment of the injured is ongoing in the orthopaedic, burn centre and neurology departments.

Deputy Commissioner Yousaf said the rescue operation had been completed and no one remained trapped under the rubble. He added that sniffer dogs and modern equipment were used during the search operation to ensure all victims were recovered.

Islamabad Police said Deputy Inspector General Muhammad Jawad Tariq reached the site and personally supervised the ongoing rescue operation. Senior police officers were also present at the scene alongside rescue teams.

In a statement, the police said the area had been completely cordoned off, the injured were being provided medical assistance and further investigation into the incident was under way. The DIG urged citizens to cooperate with rescue teams during emergency operations.

SHAHBAZ, NAQVI OFFER CONDOLENCES

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif expressed grief over the loss of lives and wished a speedy recovery for the injured. He directed health authorities to ensure the best possible medical care and ordered the Interior Secretary to conduct a full investigation. Shahbaz offered prayers for the deceased and extended condolences to their families. 

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and conveyed sympathy to all affected by the incident. The minister has directed authorities to ensure that the injured receive the highest standard of medical care.  

Many Pakistani households rely on liquefied petroleum gas cylinders because of low natural gas pressure, and such cylinders have been linked to deadly accidents caused by gas leaks. Police said investigations were ongoing.

Five, including groom, died in Jamrud wedding tragedy

 In a separate development, at least five people, including a groom, were killed in a devastating collision between a speedy truck and a car in Jamrud area of Khyber Pakhtunkhawa province. 

According to the report, the groom was being brought home from a beauty parlour by four friends after preparations for his wedding when the vehicle carrying them collided with a truck, leaving all occupants dead on the spot. Two brothers were among those who lost their lives, and all the victims belonged to the same locality. 

Residents described scenes of profound grief as news of the accident spread across the area, with families and neighbours gathering in mourning over what had been expected to be a day of celebration. The deceased were identified as Noman, Mansoor, Sohail and Zarab.

The bodies were shifted to a nearby hospital. Police cordoned off the site, collected evidence, and began further investigation to determine the causes of the crash. The latest tragedy comes less than two weeks after another fatal incident marred a wedding ceremony in Jamrud’s Sur Kamar area.

 On December 27, 2025, aerial firing during the festivities resulted in the death of the groom, identified as Asad, and injuries to two others.

Witnesses said jubilant gunfire had been taking place when a stray bullet struck Asad, killing him instantly.

 The deceased groom was said to be a resident of Afghanistan, while the injured were taken to Jamrud Civil Hospital for treatment. 

The back-to-back tragedies have once again drawn attention to road safety concerns and the persistent issue of celebratory gunfire in the region, both of which continue to claim lives during occasions meant for joy.