NUML gas leak explosion
A tragic incident unfolded at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML) in Islamabad on Tuesday when a NUML gas leak explosion inside one of the campus buildings injured several students and staff members. The sudden blast caused panic among hundreds of students attending afternoon classes, while emergency teams rushed to control the situation before it escalated further. Initial confusion soon gave way to clearer reports as rescue authorities and police officials briefed the media about the cause, extent of injuries, and ongoing investigations.
According to early information, the explosion took place inside the Iqbal Block, a central part of the campus where classrooms, offices, and a prayer room are located. The blast reportedly occurred around 4 PM, just as students and administrative staff were preparing for evening classes. Eyewitnesses described a loud sound, followed by smoke and flames coming out of a room on the block’s ground floor. Students were immediately evacuated as rescue teams began emergency procedures.
NUML gas leak explosion: explosion triggered by gas leak at NUML
The situation became clearer when officials confirmed that a gas leakage, rather than a deliberate act, caused the explosion. Police and rescue authorities reported that gas had accumulated inside a prayer room near the clerk’s office. Islamabad Inspector General (IG) Ali Nasir Rizvi explained that NUML typically shuts down its gas supply at the end of the summer season. On the day of the incident, the gas connection had been restored around 3:30 PM. However, due to leakage in the pipeline or connection points, gas continued to fill the enclosed room.
The explosion was triggered when a staff member entered the room and switched on the electrical lights. The spark from the electrical connection ignited the accumulated gas, resulting in a sudden and forceful blast. Flames quickly spread inside the confined space, burning everything in close proximity and injuring individuals nearby.
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Reports of casualties varied during the initial hours following the explosion. Some accounts stated that four people were injured, while others reported as many as seven. IG Rizvi later clarified that a total of seven individuals were affected by the blast. Among them were five students, a clerk, and a junior assistant. The clerk suffered the most severe injuries, with doctors estimating burns covering 60 to 65 percent of his body. The junior assistant also sustained significant burns, while the students suffered relatively minor injuries.
Rescue 1122 officials confirmed that they received the first emergency call at 4:06 PM. Their teams, along with the fire brigade, reached NUML within minutes. The firefighters were able to extinguish the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to other rooms. Emergency medical technicians provided on-site treatment before shifting the severely injured individuals to local hospitals for advanced care.
The university’s official social media accounts posted a statement shortly after the incident, confirming the explosion and the injuries sustained. NUML administration expressed concern, assured that the situation was under control, and extended prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured. Meanwhile, visuals recorded by students and staff circulated widely on social media, showing the damaged room, smoke rising from the building, and rescue workers helping the wounded. These videos triggered widespread concern, with many questioning how a gas system could be restored without proper safety checks.
While rumors circulated online about possible fatalities, police and hospital sources confirmed that no deaths had been officially reported at the time. Confusion had largely arisen from the severe condition of two victims, both of whom sustained serious burns and were placed under critical care.
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In his detailed statement, IG Rizvi firmly ruled out the possibility of explosives being involved. Multiple police units—including Special Branch, Operations Wing, and Counter-Terrorism Department—visited the site, inspected the debris, and found no evidence of foul play. The explosion, he reiterated, was the result of accumulated gas ignited by an electrical spark.
Emergency officials further explained that the blast was contained to a single room and did not compromise the structural stability of the building. Nevertheless, authorities directed NUML to conduct a comprehensive inspection of all gas pipelines across campus. The university was also asked to ensure that its buildings undergo a structural safety check before students are allowed to resume normal activities. Such precautions, officials noted, are mandatory after gas-related incidents, even when damage appears minimal.
The incident sparked conversations nationwide about campus safety protocols, particularly in relation to gas, electricity, and fire prevention systems. Many students and parents demanded a full inquiry into whether negligence played a role. Questions were raised about why the gas connection was restored without monitoring for leaks and why safety alarms or ventilation systems did not detect the issue sooner.
A formal investigation has now been launched to determine the exact sequence of events and identify any lapses in safety procedures. The inquiry committee will examine the condition of the gas pipeline, the actions taken by administrative staff, and whether gas-safety SOPs were followed when the system was reactivated. It will also review maintenance logs, staff compliance, and equipment functionality.
The NUML gas leak explosion also underscores the need for regular safety drills, proper emergency preparedness training, and awareness sessions for students and employees. Many institutions rely heavily on internal staff to manage facilities, but experts stress that certified technicians should always handle gas-related infrastructure.
Founded originally as the National Institute of Modern Languages in 1970 before being upgraded to a full-fledged university in 2002, NUML is one of Pakistan’s prominent educational institutions. It hosts thousands of students and offers degrees ranging from undergraduate to PhD levels. Incidents like this not only disrupt academic activities but also put the safety and well-being of the university community at risk.
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As investigations continue, authorities have assured the public that all remaining risks have been neutralized. Emergency teams have sealed the affected room, and the gas connection has been turned off until further notice. Students are expected to return to routine activities once the campus is declared structurally and operationally safe.
The NUML administration, rescue officials, and Islamabad Police have emphasized their commitment to ensuring such an incident does not occur again. Their focus now remains on the recovery of the injured and on reinforcing safety measures across the campus. The NUML gas leak explosion serves as a reminder of the critical importance of regular maintenance, proper monitoring, and strict adherence to safety protocols in all public institutions.
