Manama, Bahrain – A gas explosion in a residential and commercial building in Bahrain’s Muharraq governorate led to its collapse on Wednesday night, killing one person and injuring four others, according to the official Bahrain News Agency (BNA).

The Bahraini Civil Defence teams rushed to the scene in the Arad area, where they managed to rescue two Asian nationals trapped under the rubble.

Authorities swiftly launched an operation to secure the site, prevent further damage, and facilitate the movement of emergency services.

Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts

Seven Civil Defence vehicles and 38 rescue personnel were deployed to the scene. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to extricate survivors while National Ambulance services transported the injured to the hospital for urgent medical treatment.

BNA reported that the collapse had a devastating impact, with images showing the wreckage of the destroyed building, scattered debris, and a damaged car caught in the aftermath of the explosion.

Officials confirmed that the building housed both residential apartments and commercial shops, raising concerns over safety regulations in such mixed-use properties.

Investigation Underway

Initial findings suggest that a gas cylinder explosion was the primary cause of the collapse, but authorities are continuing their investigations to confirm the exact circumstances that led to the disaster. The building owner has been summoned for questioning as part of the ongoing probe.

Civil Defence authorities, in coordination with the Interior Ministry, are working to determine the extent of structural damage in the vicinity and assess whether other nearby buildings have been compromised.

Officials emphasized the importance of enforcing strict safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Concerns Over Gas Safety

Gas explosions have been a recurring concern in residential areas where improper handling or lack of safety checks can lead to fatal accidents.

Authorities are expected to review existing safety standards for gas installations and implement stricter inspections to mitigate risks.

Residents in the area expressed shock and concern over the incident. “I heard a loud blast and ran outside. The entire street was covered in dust, and people were screaming,” said a local shop owner who witnessed the collapse.

Authorities have urged building owners and residents to adhere strictly to safety regulations, particularly in structures that accommodate both residential and commercial units.

Legal and Safety Measures Expected

In response to the collapse, officials are likely to introduce or reinforce policies to ensure compliance with gas storage and usage regulations. The investigation aims to establish accountability and propose measures to avert similar incidents in the future.

Meanwhile, recovery efforts are ongoing, with authorities ensuring that the site is secured and does not pose additional risks. The Civil Defence has called on residents to report any gas leaks or structural concerns immediately to prevent further casualties.

The tragedy in Bahrain highlights the urgent need for enhanced building safety protocols, especially concerning gas installations, in order to safeguard lives and prevent similar catastrophic incidents.