Tanker explosion incinerates 120 in Pakistan

Over 125 persons died and 130 injured when an oil tanker overturned and exploded in Bahawalpur city in eastern Pakistan. 

The tanker carrying 40,000 litres of fuel overturned while trying to take a sharp turn on the way from Karachi to Lahore. As the fuel leaked villagers gathered around the tanker to collect the oil. The vehicle exploded when the fuel leaking from the container caught fire. 

Those gathered around were covered in oil, and as the vehicle exploded, several of them died while others suffered burn injuries. 

 

Local journalist at scene of explosion of oil tanker in Bahawalpur sent BBC this footage of the awful incident. Over 100 killed pic.twitter.com/q1j4OSTfBR

— Secunder Kermani (@SecKermani) June 25, 2017

 

"When the tanker overturned, the people from the nearby village of Ramzanpur Joya rushed to the site with containers to collect the spilling fuel. The vehicle exploded after about 10 minutes, and the fire engulfed those who were collecting petrol," regional police chief Raja Riffat said. 

Though the police tried to keep the people away from the vehicle they ignored warnings, At least six cars and 12 motorcycles were burnt in the blaze. 

Firefighters had to fight the flames for two hours to bring it under control. The remains of vehicles could be seen scattered on the highway along with containers and utensils, the victims had brought to collect petrol. 

 

 

Many of the charred bodies are beyond recognition, and at least 60 among the burnt are in critical condition, and more deaths are feared. Punjab government declared an emergency in the city and confirmed that at least 120 persons were killed in the explosion. As many as 40 persons with over 70% burn injuries are undergoing treatment at Victoria Hospital in Bahawalpur. 

Army aviation helicopters were used for rescue operations, and the hospitals are placed on high alert. 

 

Army Aviation helicopters sent for evacuation of casualties to hospitals / burn centres. Hospitals placed on high alert. (2 of 2).

— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) June 25, 2017

 

Prime Minister Nawaz Sherif expressed grief, and his office directed Punjab provincial government to provide full medical assistance.