Three people were injured on Saturday after an explosion caused by a suspected gas leak and subsequent fire in Rawalpindi’s Muhalla Hukumdad, rescue officials said.

According to initial reports, the blast occurred due to a possible gas leakage that led to a fire, leaving three individuals with burn injuries.

Rescue 1122 said two emergency vehicles were immediately dispatched to the site after receiving information about the incident.

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Rescue officials provided first aid to the injured on the spot before taking them to the hospital. The injured were being transferred to Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi, for further treatment, according to rescue sources.

Incidents involving gas cylinders are reported frequently in the city, often attributed to leakage and improper handling.

Earlier this year, three separate gas leakage and fire incidents in different areas of Rawalpindi had left a three-month-old baby dead and four others, including two women, injured.

Following those incidents, the Rawalpindi district administration had imposed an immediate ban on illegal gas filling in cylinders and the sale of substandard and defective cylinders in the district.

The deputy commissioner had also ordered a crackdown on illegal gas cylinder agencies and vehicles using cylinder-based gas, including public transport buses, wagons, Suzuki vans and taxis.

He had further directed authorities to ensure prompt redressal of gas leakage complaints across the district.