ISLAMABAD: A powerful gas cylinder explosion in the basement canteen of the Supreme Court injured four people on Tuesday, causing panic and minor damage throughout the building.

According to rescue officials, the blast occurred during maintenance work on an air-conditioning gas plant in the basement area. The explosion was strong enough to shake the entire Supreme Court building, prompting immediate evacuation of lawyers, court staff, and visitors.

Emergency teams and police quickly reached the scene, while the injured were shifted to a nearby hospital. One of the victims is said to be in critical condition.

The blast damaged furniture inside the canteen, shattered glass at the Bar Association’s reception area, and also affected Courtroom No. 6, where Justice Ali Baqar Najafi and Justice Malik Shahzad were hearing a case at the time.

The Bomb Disposal Squad later arrived to collect forensic evidence and verify whether the explosion was accidental or due to negligence.

Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the incident.