The explosion took place on the first floor late Wednesday night, leading to the partial collapse of the structure. Rescue sources at the scene said all available resources were being deployed in the ongoing search operation.
Police said preliminary findings indicate the blast was caused by a gas leak, possibly from a cylinder or a gas suction machine.
Rescue teams began clearing the debris and pulled several victims from the rubble. Among those killed were a 10-year-old girl, Nazia, and a 60-year-old man, Mohammad Riaz.
Officials said the body of a 17-year-old girl was recovered from the debris, along with that of a 19-year-old girl. The body of one woman was retrieved, followed later by the recovery of another woman’s body, while the identification of an additional victim was still in progress.
Authorities confirmed that a 14-year-old girl was rescued in an injured state. Several children were among the wounded and were transported to hospital for treatment.
Rescue officials believe two individuals remain trapped beneath the rubble. They noted that the narrow streets surrounding the building have complicated rescue efforts.
Police sealed off the area and increased security as the search operation continued.
