Oil truck explodes in Pakistan, killing at least 130 people

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – On Sunday, an oil tanker crashed in Pakistan and killed over 130 people in an explosion after passerbys began collecting leaking fuel, officials said.

The tanker overturned on the outskirt of the city of Bahawalpur. The driver lost control of the vehicle when one of his tires blew, explained the provincial government spokesman Malik Mohammed Ahmed Khan to Reuters.

Following the crash, a large number of people gathered in the area to collect leaking fuel. According to initial reports, the explosion took place when someone tried to light a cigarette, said the spokesman for the rescue services Jam Sajjad Hussain.

The explosion burnt over hundreds of people, over 20 who were children, Khan added.

The accident took place on the last day of the holy month of Ramadan, where people gather to mark the end of their fasting and celebrate Eid al-Fitr.

Khan mentioned that the driver of the tanker survived and had been taken into police custody. He also stated that police asked people to vacate the area ahead of the explosion, but that the citizens ignored their warnings and continued to collect leaking fuel.

According to firefighters, it took two hours to extinguish the fire caused by the explosion.

Editing by G.H. Renaud