ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condoled over the death of five people as an LPG bowser exploded in Multan which also left several others injured.

In their separately issued statements, the president and the prime minister conveyed their condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families.

They prayed to Allah Almighty for peace for the departed souls, strength for the grieved families to bear the loss, and for the recovery of those injured in the incident.

Prime Minister Shehbaz directed the authorities concerned to identify the reasons behind the explosion and take measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

Earlier, At least five people were killed and 31 injured as a gas filled tankers exploded Industrial Estate area of Multan.

According to rescue officials, an explosion in an LPG bowser started a fire and the fragments of the bowser fell on the nearby population.

Rescue officials said that after several hours of struggle, the fire was extinguished, more than 10 vehicles took part in extinguishing the fire and foam was also used.

City Police Officer (CPO) Multan Sadiq Ali said that several houses were destroyed and animals were burnt to death in the gas bower explosion.