ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN: Chaos erupted in the Supreme Court building on Monday after a sudden explosion shook its basement area, reportedly linked to an air-conditioning unit or a gas cylinder. The loud blast caused panic among staff, lawyers, and visitors, prompting an immediate evacuation of the premises.
According to preliminary reports, the explosion occurred near the cafeteria, where maintenance work was underway. At least 13 workers sustained injuries, some of them seriously, and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. No fatalities have been reported so far.
Witnesses described scenes of confusion and fear as smoke filled parts of the lower floor. Videos circulating on social media showed injured individuals being assisted out of the building and debris scattered near the blast site.
Police and rescue teams swiftly cordoned off the area, while forensic experts began inspecting the site to determine the exact cause. Authorities have yet to confirm whether the explosion was due to a technical malfunction or a safety lapse in the building’s utility systems.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over safety standards in key government buildings, with calls emerging for a comprehensive review of infrastructure and emergency protocols.
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