QUETTA: A powerful explosion rocked a truck terminal in Noshki, Balochistan, on Monday after an oil tanker caught fire, injuring dozens of people, including police officers and rescue workers.
According to eyewitnesses, the blaze erupted during gas welding work on the tanker, leading to a massive blast that engulfed the area in flames.
The tanker reportedly exploded as fire brigade teams were trying to extinguish the blaze, catching civilians and rescue workers alike in the blast.
Videos shared on social media showed the tanker exploding and erupting into a large-scale fire that engulfed the surroundings within nanoseconds.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the explosion was so intense that people standing at a considerable distance were also affected.
Police, rescue teams, and local administration rushed to the scene soon after the incident. An emergency was declared in the area and at nearby hospitals.
Government spokesperson Shahid Rind said that in the wake of oil tanker explosion, emergency protocols were activated at hospitals, and medical aid was being provided to the victims. He added that an investigation into the cause of the incident was underway.
Deputy Commissioner Noshki Amjad Sumro said that at least 40 people suffered burn injuries, with 15 in critical condition. Most of the injured were transferred to the trauma centre at Civil Hospital, while severely wounded patients were being shifted to Quetta for specialised treatment.
The district’s medical superintendent, Dr Zafar Mengal, confirmed that around 50 injured people were brought to the Teaching Hospital. He added that fire brigade staff and police personnel were among the injured.
Authorities fear the number of casualties from the tanker explosion may rise as rescue efforts continue and more information becomes available.