Faisalabad: As many as 19 persons are reported to have been killed and several injured due to explosion of boiler in Chemical factory in Faisalabad.

According to RESCUE authorities a powerful blast occurred due to explosion of a boiler in chemical factory in the area of Malik Pur. Factory caught fire due to explosion. The roofs of factory and nearby houses collapsed.

Authorities have said RESCUE teams are engaged in rescue work. Rubble is being removed from the scene. 19 bodies have been pulled out so far. Several persons are feared to be trapped under the rubble.

Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir has reached the site and is supervising the rescue efforts.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the incident.

She offered condolences to the affected families and sought a detailed report from the Faisalabad commissioner.