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Pakistan oil tanker fire: At least 149 killed, 117 injured in Bahawalpur

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 6/25/2017 7:37:03 PM

At least 149 people were killed and 117 others injured in Pakistan’s Bahawalpur city on Sunday after an oil tanker burst into flames. Though the cause of the fire is yet to be officially confirmed, according to the Dawn, the tanker overturned and spilled oil while trying to navigate a turn in Bahawalpur’s Ahmed Pur Sharqia. A huge crowd gathered to collect the oil from the spillage before the tanker caught fire.
Several vehicles were damaged in the fire, including six cars and 12 motorcycles. Fire and rescue teams immediately reached the accident site and doused the flames. The injured were transported to nearby medical aid centres and hospitals.
According to Al Jazeera, the tanker overturned on a major logistical route. The report said that bodies of many were charred beyond recognition. The death toll is expected to rise as the injured were also reported to be in a critical condition
The Pakistani Army deployed air rescue teams to ferry the injured to hospitals. Pakistan’s DG Inter Services Public Relations Major General Asif Ghafoor tweeted: “COAS expresses grief on losses in oil tanker incident. Directed provision of full assistance to civil admn in rescue/relief effort. Army Aviation helicopters sent for evacuation of casualties to hospitals / burn centres. Hospitals placed on high alert.”