Sahara Fund Quarterly Report September 2009

The biggest ever explosion in the history of Islamabad occurred at 7:59 pm (PST) on September 20, 2008 at the main gate of the city’s prestigious Marriott Hotel also called the “Home of Islamabad”. This blast rocked neighboring buildings and shattered glass windows in residential homes up to 5 kilometers radius. The explosion took place just after Iftar as families broke their Ramadan fast. According to official and eye witness reports, supported by CCTV cameras, a dump truck, packed with an estimated amount of more than 600 Kilograms of highly inflammable, explosive materials tried to enter the Hotel premises by ramming through the protective steel barriers. As the truck approached it was stopped by the dutiful and brave Hotel Security Guards in spite they sense the danger. Immediately after it was stopped a flash occurred inside the truck causing a fire. Security guards were seen trying to extinguish the fire when the devastating blast occurred. The explosion was so immense it created a 59 feet wide and 20 feet deep crater destroying everything and killing or seriously injuring everyone who was near the truck when the blast went off. The blast was so great it immediately destroyed the ground floor lobby and reception area and caused the modern multi-story Hotel to catch on fire. Flames spread on every floor, with desperate people trying to flee the building. The death toll went from an initial 11 persons to a reported 53, with more than 250 people injured. Causalities were found in the parking lot as well as inside the burning building. Most of the dead were Pakistani citizens and were employees of the Hotel, including the security guards. Taking immediate action the management of Hashoo Group and Hashoo Foundation has devised a plan outlining the procedures for providing relief and rehabilitation.