HEALTH

40 Injured in Oil Tanker Explosion in Balochistan’s Noshki

At least 40 injured after an oil tanker exploded during welding work in Noshki, Balochistan. Emergency declared in hospitals.
2025-04-28
40 Injured in Oil Tanker Explosion in Balochistan’s Noshki

At least 40 people were injured when an oil tanker exploded after catching fire at a truck depot in Noshki district, Balochistan, on Monday, officials confirmed.

Speaking to Dawn.com, Noshki Deputy Commissioner (DC) Amjad Soomro said the incident occurred while welding work was being carried out on the oil tanker. “The fire brigade was trying to control the fire when the truck exploded,” he said. Firefighters, police personnel, and civilians were among those injured, with many suffering burns between 70 to 80 per cent.

DC Soomro added that the most critically injured would be airlifted to Quetta for further treatment. "Those with severe burns will be shifted to Quetta via helicopter," he stated.

Hospitals Declare Emergency

Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed that more than 30 people had been burned in the incident. He noted the intensity of the fire even engulfed the fire brigade’s vehicle present at the scene. "An emergency has been declared in Civil Hospital and Bolan Medical College (BMC) to manage the situation," Rind said.

Authorities are conducting an investigation into the cause of the explosion, which has been termed an unfortunate accident.

Frequent Danger from Oil Tanker Explosions

Oil tanker accidents often lead to devastating explosions due to the hazardous materials they carry. Common causes include collisions, welding work on tankers with residual flammable gases, and faulty equipment.

Previous incidents highlight the danger:

  • Last year, an oil tanker explosion in Karachi’s Shireen Jinnah Colony killed one and injured five during welding work.
  • In 2017, a catastrophic accident on the highway between Karachi and Lahore killed 212 people after a tanker overturned and a cigarette ignited leaking fuel.

These incidents underline the urgent need for stringent safety protocols when handling and repairing oil tankers.

Conclusion

The tragic event in Noshki has once again brought attention to the dangers surrounding oil tanker operations and maintenance. With dozens injured and several critically hurt, authorities face pressure to enforce stricter safety measures to prevent future accidents.