A gas pipeline explosion in the Egyptian city of 6th of October has resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to at least 18 others.

The powerful blast triggered a fire that also destroyed several nearby parked vehicles, Caliber.Az reports, citing Egyptian media.

The incident reportedly occurred due to a gas leak from the pipeline. Preliminary investigations suggest the leakage may have caused a buildup of flammable gas, which then ignited, leading to the deadly explosion and subsequent fire.

The local prosecutor’s office has launched a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion and to assess whether criminal negligence or foul play may have contributed to the incident. Authorities are also working to calculate the total damage caused by the fire and explosion, while eyewitnesses are being interviewed as part of the inquiry.

Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, providing medical assistance to the injured and extinguishing the fire. The identities of the victims have not yet been released.

This tragic event comes just months after a similar incident in Pakistan. On January 27, in the city of Multan, Punjab province, a tanker carrying liquefied gas exploded due to a valve leak. That blast killed six people and injured 31 others, while also damaging nearby homes with flying debris and flames.

Egyptian authorities are expected to issue an update once the full investigation into the Sitt Oktobr explosion is complete.