A gas cylinder exploded in a house in Islamabad where wedding festivities were going on early Sunday, killing eight people, including the bride and groom, and injuring several others, police said.

Authorities said the explosion occurred around 2am, shortly after the wedding procession arrived at the house in Sector G-7/2, Abpara.

The blast was so powerful that it caused the building to collapse, trapping several people under the debris.

Six people, including the bride and groom, died on the spot.

The injured were taken to nearby hospitals, where two more victims succumbed to their injuries, raising the death toll to eight.

Police confirmed that the explosion damaged four homes, including the one where the wedding function was being held.

Rescue operations are ongoing, with authorities working to clear debris and ensure no one else is trapped.

Additional Deputy Commissioner General Sahibzada Yousaf said the exact cause of the explosion would be determined after the rescue operation concludes.

Rescue workers have so far pulled 15 people from the rubble.

Ten of the injured were shifted to nearby hospitals, with officials saying the condition of some remains critical.

Sahibzada Yousaf said rescue teams were making every possible effort to locate and recover anyone still trapped beneath the debris.

He confirmed that 15 people had been rescued so far and said the search operation would continue.

Residents of the area said the sound of the explosion was heard from far away.

After the blast, police cordoned off the area, while gas and electricity supplies were temporarily suspended to prevent any further accidents.

Authorities said a full investigation would be conducted to determine the exact cause of the explosion and to take necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.