Death toll in Pakistan tanker fire reaches 148, dozens more critical

Lahore [Pakistan], June 25 (ANI): Death toll in Pakistan tanker fire on Sunday rose to 148 and dozens more are in critical condition, reports AP quoting rescue officials.

Earlier, over 120 people were charred to death when an oil tanker burst into flames in Bahawalpur, Pakistan.

Around 40 injured were admitted to the Bahawal Victoria Hospital and District Headquarters Hospital Sharqia in critical condition. A majority of them are said to have suffered 70 percent burn injuries, Geo TV quoted Rescue 1122 Director General Dr. Rizwan Naseer, as saying.

The latest deaths are believed to be from the above critical group.

The oil tanker toppled over in Pul Paka off the national highway. Dozens of vehicles, including 75 motorbikes and four cars, also caught fire.

Eyewitnesses said some people in the vicinity were smoking cigarettes, which could have been one of the reasons for starting the inferno. (ANI)