A major fire at a customs warehouse in Lakpass, between Quetta and Mastung, triggered panic on Monday after an LPG tanker exploded, injuring at least 31 people and causing widespread destruction.

According to rescue officials, the incident occurred shortly after 11 am when smoke was first seen rising from the warehouse. Within minutes, flames spread rapidly across the site, forcing emergency teams to rush to the area. Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours, but authorities said the fire could not be fully brought under control by evening.

Officials said an LPG tanker parked inside the customs warehouse suddenly caught fire before exploding with a powerful blast. The explosion injured dozens of people who were standing nearby, many of whom suffered burn injuries.

The injured were immediately shifted to the emergency and burn units of Civil Hospital Quetta. Hospital authorities said at least seven of the injured were in critical condition, raising fears that the casualty toll could rise.

Eyewitnesses said the sound of the explosion was heard from far away, sending waves of fear through nearby areas. Several vehicles parked close to the warehouse were badly damaged, while confiscated goods stored at the customs facility were also destroyed in the fire.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire. An investigation is expected to determine how the blaze started and whether safety lapses contributed to the incident.