At least 27 killed in DG Khan wedding party fire in Pakistan
Pakistan Times Wire Service

DERA GHAZI KHAN: At least 27 people were killed and many others sustained injuries here when tents at a wedding reception caught fire and power cables snapped and a wall collapsed, aggravating the situation.

The incident occurred at a wedding party at Jhok Utra village about 20 kilometers from Dera Ghazi Khan. At least 27 people including 17 women and five children were killed in the fire and subsequent stampede.

The guests, including women and children, were attending the wedding ceremony of Abdul Ali at a house in Jhok Utra village. Power wires and tents caught fire from fireworks during the party. The fire caused stampede and people tried to run out through a narrow alley.

The women and children ran helter-skelter. In panic they took refuge under a dilapidated wall of the house, which collapsed on them.

The incident caused 27 deaths including the bride Fiza Mai. Over 20 people were injured in the tragedy and admitted at district headquarters hospital Dera Ghazi Khan and Nishtar Hospital Multan.

Five dead bodies including three children have been identified as Tehseen 1, Iqra 6, Fasahat 7, Nausheen 17 and Yasmeen 20.

According to the police some of the injured were in a critical state and feared increase in the death toll.

PM shocked

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has expressed his deep shock and sorrow over the loss of 27 precious lives during a fire-stampede at a wedding ceremony in Dera Ghazi Khan.

The Prime Minister asked the Chief Minister Punjab to convey his condolences to the members of the affected families and ensure that they get necessary financial help and medical care.●