A gas explosion at a private hotel located on the Grand Trunk Road in Punjab’s Jhelum killed at least seven people and wounded 10 on Sunday, rescue and police officials said. Rescue workers were sifting the rubble for more people feared trapped inside.

The three-storey building fell after the explosion.

“The body of another citizen was found under the debris. The deceased citizen has been identified,” the Jhelum police tweeted. “The death toll has increased to seven.”

Sources told Aaj News that there were photo studio, gas refilling and laundry shops in the basement of the hotel.

The preliminary investigation said that the explosion occurred during gas refilling of the LPG cylinder installed in the basement, which ignited the fire and the building collapsed.

LPG cylinder shop owner Qaiser was still under the rubble, the police claimed and added that Qaiser kept appealing for rescue through mobile phone during the day.

Jhelum Deputy Commissioner Samiullah Farooq said that the rescue operation was 95 per cent completed. “The rescue operation will continue until the last person is rescued.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was grieved over the collapse of the building in Jhelum and the resulting loss of lives, PTV News reported.

In a statement, the premier commiserated with the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace for the deceased.

“Wishing a speedy recovery to the ten injured ones,” he said and directed the relevant authorities to ensure their best possible treatment.