Just a day before Eid, at least 123 people were on Sunday charred to death and 75 others severely injured after an oil tanker caught fire and exploded on a highway in Bahawalpur district of Pakistan’s Punjab Province. The tanker was leaking fuel from its damaged containers after which it caught fire and exploded.
The massacre killed over hundreds of people while injuring 75 others. People had gathered around the tanker after it overturned to collect oil that had leaked out. Notably, the fire brigade was at the site shortly.
Two fire engines battled the fire and eventually gained control over it. At least six cars and 12 motorcycles were burnt in the blaze. As per local reports, 75 bikes and four cars burnt to ruins in the accident which happened at the heart of the city.
The injured have transferred to District Headquarters Hospital, rescue officials said. Dr Rizwan Naseer, director of Punjab provincial rescue services, says rescuers are collecting the badly burned bodies, many beyond recognition. The death toll to rise, he added.
