Oil tanker explosion kills over 123 in Pakistan

NEW DELHI: At least 123 people were on Sunday charred to death and 100 others severely injured after an oil tanker caught fire and exploded on a highway in Bahawalpur district of Pakistan's Punjab Province, according to media reports. The tanker exploded after fuel leaking from its damaged container caught fire. The blaze from the oil spill engulfed scores of residents who had rushed to collect leaking fuel. Punjab government spokesman Malik Ahmad Khan said at least 123 people were killed and over 100 others injured in the explosion. The disaster came on the eve of the holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Pakistanis will celebrate on Monday. The tanker was on way to Lahore from Karachi when the driver lost control and crashed. Nearby villagers rushed toward the overturned tanker with cans to take the leaking fuel. People had gathered around the tanker after it overturned to collect oil that had leaked out. The fire brigade arrived on the site of the incident shortly after the blaze started and rescue operations were initiated. Two fire engines battled the fire and eventually gained control over it. At least six cars and 12 motorcycles were burnt in the blaze. According to Geo TV, 75 motorbikes and four cars, were engulfed in the blaze that erupted near the National Highway in the middle 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. He says the death toll is likely to rise. (With inputs from agencies)