Massive Explosion in Faisalabad Glue Factory Causes Building Collapse: Death Toll Rises Across Reports

A devastating industrial tragedy shook Pakistan’s Punjab province on Friday, when a powerful boiler explosion ripped through a glue-making chemical factory in Faisalabad’s Malikpur area, causing multiple buildings to collapse and resulting in widespread casualties.

Across different news agencies, the reported death toll ranged between 12 and 19, with consistent confirmation that more than a dozen workers were killed on the spot, several others remain missing, and many are critically injured.

This article covers all major updates from global and local news outlets, eyewitness testimonies, rescue efforts, and what is known so far about the cause of the explosion.

🔴 What Happened?

According to early reports from Al Jazeera, AP News, The Independent, Dawn, and NDTV, a large industrial boiler exploded inside a glue production unit in Faisalabad.

The explosion was so intense that:

• The factory roof collapsed instantly

• Nearby houses and shops were damaged

• Shockwaves were felt across adjacent streets

• Fire and smoke engulfed the entire facility

Many workers were trapped under the rubble as the structure caved in.

🔴 Casualties: Conflicting Reports but Confirmed High Death Toll

Different agencies reported slightly different figures, but all confirm a large-scale loss of life:

• AP News: 18 killed

• The Express Tribune: Death toll rises to 19

• Al Jazeera: At least 16 killed

• Times of India / NDTV / Hindustan Times: 15 killed

• Dawn: At least 17 killed

• Yahoo / Amu TV / The Independent: Over a dozen dead

• Qazinform: 12 killed

Local rescue teams fear the death toll may still rise as many are believed to be trapped under debris.

🔴 Children Among the Dead

Some reports, including Caliber.Az and Aaj English TV, indicate that children were also among those who lost their lives, possibly because workers sometimes bring children to the factory or nearby residences were affected by the blast.

🔴 Cause of the Explosion

According to multiple reports:

• The blast was triggered by a boiler malfunction

• Several outlets (India Today, Financial Express, Asianet Newsable, CNN-affiliated reports) confirm a gas leak may have ignited the explosion

• Chemical reactions from glue-making materials might have intensified the blast

A detailed forensic investigation is underway.

🔴 Factory Owner Allegedly Flees

An important revelation made by Times of India, Republic World, and NewsX states:

“The factory owner fled immediately after the explosion.”

Police are searching for the owner, as the boiler was allegedly not maintained, and the workers had raised safety concerns earlier.

🔴 Rescue Operations: Search Continues

Teams from:

• Rescue 1122

• Local police

• Firefighters

• Pakistan Army (according to some local reports)

…worked for several hours digging through concrete, twisted iron sheets, and collapsed walls.

Rescuers reported:

• Bodies were pulled out from deep debris

• Several workers suffered severe burn injuries

• Heavy machinery was deployed to remove rubble

• Locals rushed to assist rescue teams before official help arrived

🔴 Eyewitness Accounts

Several workers and local residents described the explosion as:

• “A thunderous blast like an earthquake”

• “Walls shook, and glass shattered instantly”

• “Thick black smoke covered the entire area”

Some survivors told media that the boiler had shown technical faults previously, but no repairs were done.

🔴 Government Reaction

Authorities from Punjab province and Faisalabad district administration have:

• Ordered a high-level inquiry

• Directed safety audits of nearby industrial units

• Announced compensation for the families of victims

Pakistan’s caretaker government expressed deep grief and assured that those responsible will be punished.

Full Coverage Summary of Major News Agencies

Below is a consolidated summary of how top global and regional media covered the incident:

News OutletDeath TollKey HighlightsAl Jazeera16Roof collapsed, many trappedAP News18Boiler explosion at glue factoryThe Independent18Powerful blast, multiple buildings collapsedDawn17Gas explosion confirmedTimes of India15Owner flees after incidentNDTV15Workers killed instantlyHindustan Times17Rescue operations ongoingThe Express Tribune19Worst industrial blast in Faisalabad this yearYahoo12+Chemical factory blastArab News15Survivors pulled from rubbleDNA India15Massive shockwaves destroyed structuresFirstpost15Gas leak suspected triggerQazinform12Chemical explosionAsianet15CCTV footage shows flames

🔴 Industrial Safety Concerns in Pakistan

Pakistan has seen a series of industrial accidents over the years due to:

• Lack of safety inspections

• Use of outdated boilers

• Chemical mishandling

• Illegal factory setups

• Poor emergency exit planning

International organizations have repeatedly urged for stronger industrial safety compliance, especially in textile and chemical hubs like Faisalabad.

Conclusion

The Faisalabad boiler explosion is one of the deadliest industrial accidents in Pakistan in 2025, exposing severe negligence in factory safety protocols. With the death toll continuing to rise and the factory owner missing, the tragedy has sparked nation-wide concern over industrial monitoring standards.

Authorities claim strict action will follow, but for the grieving families, the loss is irreplaceable.