(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM))
BAHAWALPUR, Pakistan, 25th June, 2017 (WAM) -- At least 123 people were killed when a lorry transporting oil burst into flames in the Pakistani city of Bahawalpur.
According to reports carried by the BBC, local officials said that dozens of people were badly burned as they tried to collect fuel leaking from the vehicle. Those injured are being treated in hospital, and firefighters are now at the scene tackling the blaze.
Unconfirmed reports suggest the tanker had overturned because of speeding, and later caught fire. Eyewitnesses said that some people were smoking at the scene of the accident, which could have started the fire, Pakistan's Geo TV reported.
Identities of a number of victims may only be established by DNA sampling, as the bodies were badly burned in the incident, reports added.
There are fears that the death toll could rise further.
WAM/rola/Chris
MENAFN2506201700610000ID1095585444
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.