20000410

2 workers hurt

in mill

furnace blast

LAHORE: Two workers of a steel mill were injured when a bomb exploded in the furnace of the mill at Peco Road in Badami Bagh area here on Sunday.

The bomb disposal unit of Civil Defence said that the two workers were working in the mill when, all of a sudden, a huge explosion occurred in the furnace which blew the furnace and its roof, resulting in the injury of two labourers whose names could not be identified.

Sources expressed the view that there was a possibility that the scrap which was being melted in the furnace contained some explosive material. They, however, said it would be premature to say definitely unless a thorough examination of the mills and furnace is carried out.

"The possibility of terrorism also cannot be ruled out," a senior police official said.

Army investigators, local administration and police officials reached the spot immediately after the blast and cordoned off the area and have started investigations.

This is the second explosion occurring in the Badami Bagh area in 48 hours, official sources said.ÑAPP