According to initial unconfirmed reports, the explosion was said to be a generator explosion.
However, law enforcement agencies and authorities have not confirmed the nature of the explosion. A tweet sent out by the official Twitter account of the Government of Punjab stated that it was a generator blast.
Clarification on Lahore Y block blast: It’s a generator blast and rescue team has reached the site. Please spread this.
Earlier on 13 February, at least 14 people including two senior police officials were killed in a suicide bombing near the Punjab Assembly.
The area where the blast has been reported is a busy locality with several commercial offices and eateries. Footage shows nearby offices including HBL, Toni and Guy, Gloria Jeans, Bombay Chowpatty, Jalalsons among others.
Residents and nearby shoppers panicked as the explosion was heard, and eyewitnesses described people evacuating buildings and running far away from the commercial area.
The nature of the blast could not be immediately verified, but the Punjab Government on its official Twitter page claimed the explosion was caused by a generator blast.
Rescue officials have reached the site, it said.
According to media reports, the explosion occurred inside a restaurant and has caused considerable damage to nearby buildings.
