Lahore: An oil tanker overturned and burst into flames as crowds rushed to collect fuel that spilled over on a highway in Pakistan’s Punjab Province, killing over 150 people and injuring over 140 others, in one of the deadliest accidents in the country.
The oil tanker coming from Karachi and headed to Lahore overturned on Sunday morning on the national highway at the Ahmedpur Sharqia area of the Bahawalpur district, some 400 kms from Lahore, after a tyre burst and the driver lost control of the vehicle.
The fire was reportedly caused by someone who lit a cigarette after people from nearby localities gathered on the highway to collect petrol, officials said.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who was in London to celebrate Id along with his family members, cut short his visit and left for Pakistan.
“This is a tragedy of its kind in the country’s history that left everyone in grief in Pakistan. My thoughts are with the victims’ families,” Mr Sharif said before leaving for Pakistan.
Rescue official Jam Sajjad said, “Some 151 people, including women and children, lost their lives in this tragedy. The condition of over 50 is critical and they are being shifted to Lahore and Faisalabad.” He said the toll could rise.
