Daily Times

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has expressed deep grief over the loss of precious lives after an overturned oil tanker caught fire on a highway in Bahawalpur district on Sunday.

According to a statement, the chief minister offered his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The chief minister directed the Health Department and the district administration to provide best medical facilities to those injured in the accident.

Shahbaz also ordered probe into the accident and sought a report. “All my sympathies are with the bereaved families who have lost their dear ones in the accident and those injured in the tragic accident.”

At least 135 people, who had rushed to the scene of the highway accident to gather leaking fuel, were burnt to death when an overturned oil tanker burst into flames.

Local news channels showed black smoke billowing skyward and horrific images of scores of burned bodies, as well as rescue officials speeding the injured to hospital and army helicopters ferrying the wounded.

According to a senior rescue official, the death toll could rise further as another 50 people were still in critical condition. “There were dozens of other injuries of varying degree,” he added.

At least 65 people were killed in a similar incident 18 years ago in Punjab, when an overturned fuel truck in Adda Rodu Sultan exploded just as dozens had gathered to collect petrol.

Published in Daily Times, June 26th, 2017.