At least 123 killed, 100 injured as oil tanker explodes in central Pakistan; PM Sharif expresses grief
The toll may increase as many of the injured are said to be in critical condition, police said.
WORLD Updated: Jun 25, 2017 11:57 ISTAgence France-Presse, Islamabad
![Pakistan fire]( "Pakistan fire")
According to the police, people from nearby areas were collecting fuel from the oil tanker which had skidded off the highway and overturned in Bahawalpur city’s Ahmed Pur Sharqia area, reports The News International. (Representative photo)
At least 123 people were killed and scores injured in a fire that broke out after an oil tanker overturned in central Pakistan early Sunday and crowds rushed to collect fuel, an official said.
The tragedy came one day before Pakistan was due to begin Eid ul-Fitr celebrations marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramzan, with many roads crowded as people travel home for the holidays.
Images of the crash showed rising flames and a thick plume of smoke, along with charred vehicles. The crash happened near the town of Ahmedpur East, some 670 kilometres (416 miles) south of the capital Islamabad.
“At least 123 people have been killed and more than 100 wounded in a fire which erupted after an oil tanker turned over and victims rushed to collect spilt fuel,” senior local government official Rana Mohammad Saleem Afzal told state television.
The military said it was sending army helicopters to evacuate the wounded and hospitals were put on high alert. The nearest burn centre is believed to be more than 150 kilometres away.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed his grief and directed the government of Punjab province, run by his brother Shabhaz Sharif, to provide “full medical assistance”.
On social media Sunday users posted messages of grief and solidarity with the victims of the oil tanker crash, as many prayed for a safe Eid.
COAS expresses grief on losses in oil tanker incident. Directed provision of full assistance to civil admn in rescue/relief effort (1 of 2).
Army Aviation helicopters sent for evacuation of casualties to hospitals / burn centres. Hospitals placed on high alert. (2 of 2).
Have asked ldrship present in area to immed assess what assistance can be provided to the injured and to families of victims. https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/878851410560929793 …
Pakistan has an appalling record of fatal traffic accidents due to poor roads, badly maintained vehicles and reckless driving.
At least 62 people including women and children were killed in southern Pakistan in 2015 when their bus collided with an oil tanker, starting a fierce blaze that left victims burnt beyond recognition.
The country has also long struggled to contain a chronic energy crisis, with regular blackouts suffocating industry and exacerbating anger against the government.
The crash came days after a series of militant attacks killed at least 57 people across the country Friday, unnerving many Pakistanis, with authorities ordering a security crackdown.