SADIQABAD: As many as 20 people were injured on Thursday when an explosionoccurred at a private bank in Sadiqabad.

According to local news channel report, the bank building was completelydestroyed in the explosion and the police are yet to ascertain the natureof the explosion.

Security forces have launched a search and rescue operation, while theinjured have been shifted to a nearby medical facility for assistance.

Initial reports suggest that the blast occurred due to a gas cylinderexplosion, DPO Sadiqabad said. Police have cordoned off the area andlaunched an investigation.

Chief Minister Punjab Usman Buzdar took notice of the incident and summoneda report within 24 hours. He also directed concerned authorities to providethe best medical facilities to those injured in the explosion.