Eid Tanker Tragedy in Pakistan Roasts Over 125 People

A fully-loaded fuel container overturns and catches fire in Bahawalpur province killing over 125 people. The tragedy comes soon after two deadly bombing attacks in Quetta and Parachinar.

Over 125 people were killed when a speeding oil tanker caught fire and overturned in Bahawalpur’s Ahmed Pur Sharqia in Pakistan on Sunday morning, bringing a pall of gloom on the eve of Eid-al-Fitr.

Reports said the tanker overturned after trying to make a sharp turn and fuel started leaking from the damaged container.

Soon a large crowd of people, including women and children, gathered at the spot to collect the leaked oil. That was when the container suddenly caught fire and exploded.

Indications are that one among the crowd could have been smoking that resulted in the blaze.

At least six cars and 12 motorcycles were burnt in the blaze.

Many of the badly burnt bodies are beyond recognition.

At least 40 amongst the injured are in critical condition and may be transferred to hospitals in Karachi and Multan for treatment.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa stepped in and ordered the army to assist the civil administration in the rescue efforts. Army helicopters were used in the rescue operations to transport the injured to the hospitals.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has expressed deep grief over the heavy loss of life in the unfortunate accident of oil tanker fire. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has ordered for an enquiry.

It has been one of the worst Eid-al-Fitr for Pakistan as the fire tragedy comes soon after two deadly bombing attacks in Quetta and Parachinar in the backdrop.

Traffic was suspended on the National Highway route after the incident. The tanker was on its way from southern port of Karachi to Lahore, when the driver of the vehicle lost control and crashed the vehicle.

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