NOSHKI, April 29 (Alliance News): A devastating explosion of an oil tanker in Balochistan’s Noshki district on Monday left the driver dead and more than 40 others injured, several of them critically, confirmed Deputy Commissioner Amjad Hussain.
The tragic incident occurred during welding work on the oil-laden tanker parked at a depot. According to police, the truck caught fire during the repair process.
In a desperate attempt to avoid a major disaster, the driver steered the burning vehicle away from the terminal into an open field but succumbed to his burn injuries on the spot.
Moments later, the tanker exploded, causing a massive fireball that injured over 40 people. Among the injured were a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) and three other officers who were assisting in crowd control at the scene.
The intensity of the blast also damaged a fire brigade vehicle present for the emergency response.
A provincial government spokesperson said that at least 30 individuals sustained serious burn injuries, and an emergency was declared in hospitals across Quetta to treat the wounded.
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti provided an air ambulance, through which 26 of the critically injured were shifted to Quetta for medical care.
Describing the incident as “tragic,” the spokesperson said a full investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the fire and explosion.
