LAHORE/SAHIWAL: Three labourers lost their lives, and one remains critically injured after a devastating chemical fire erupted while they were working on a 30-foot-deep sewerage pipeline on Khayban-i-Firdousi Road near Shaukat Khanum Hospital on April 16.

The victims, employed by Reckon Paints Company, a contractor for the Water and Sanitation Authority (Wasa), suffered severe third-degree burns in the incident.

The labourers were laying a sewerage pipe line from Shaukat Khanum Hospital to Shog Chowk.The government estimated Rs1.9 billion project for the sewerage and 72 inches` sewerage pipe is being laid under 4.15km long road. The project is scheduled to be completed in 10 months` period The deceased were identified as Waseem Ashraf (22), Muhammad Abid (20) and Muhammad Farhan, residents of Yousafwala, district Sahiwal.

According to hospital sources, two labourers passed away on April 18 night, while the third died on April 20. Arif remains in a critical condition at Jinnah Hospital`s Burn Unit.

The elder brother of deceased Farhan, Irsalan Ghaffar, filed a complaintand a case under Section 322 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) (Qatal-e-Bay Sabab) was registered against the contractor at Nawab Town Police Station.

The complainant alleged that the company fielded the labourers underground without protective gear or proper precautions.

`They were welding a pipeline joint using hazardous chemicals without any safety protocols, Ghaffar stated.

`This negligence cost my brother his life.

Contractor Matloob disputed the allegations, claiming that the explosion occurred due to a labourer`s negligence.

`Farhan lit a cigarette while working, which triggered the blast,` he told Dawn.

He added that the company covered medical expenses and burial costs and promised compensation for the victims`families.

Wasa spokespersonAbuzar Saeed told Dawn that they were investigating the matter and would penalise if any negligence was found.

He said work is ongoing and they will ensure safety of the labourers.

This incident raised concerns over labour safety standards in hazardous construction projects.