Seven brick‑kiln workers suffer serious burns in Muridke fire

Muridke, Pakistan – On Tuesday a fire broke out at a brick kiln, leaving seven workers with serious burn injuries, rescue officials said. The injured were taken to the Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) hospital, while four who were in critical condition were transferred to a hospital in Lahore, according to rescue sources. The workers identified so far are Tasleem, Sajjad, Basharat Ali, Mubarak Ali, Fahim ul Hassan and Usman; the name of the seventh victim has not been released.

Rescuers were able to bring the blaze under control and police have opened an inquiry into the cause. Eyewitnesses reported that the fire started while carbon was being burned at the kiln. They added that the victims sustained severe burns on their faces and legs.

The incident follows a similar tragedy earlier this month. On October 2, a 17‑year‑old labourer named Gulab Ali fell into a furnace at a brick kiln in Chak Nadir Shah, Bahawalnagar, and was burned alive within minutes. According to his family and witnesses, Gulab had been feeding fuel into the kiln when his foot slipped. Neither he nor his coworkers were wearing protective gear. His family has called for an investigation, legal action against the kiln owner and compensation for their loss.