Overturned oil tanker explodes in Pakistan, killing 123

Overturned oil tanker explodes in Pakistan, killing 123. June. 26, 2017 07:19. by In-Chan Hwang, Wan-Jun Yun hic@donga.com,zeitung@donga.com.

An overturned oil tanker exploded on Sunday on a highway in Pakistan, leaving at least 135 people dead and injuring more than 130. The explosion came as nearby villagers rushed to the scene in an attempt to collect leaking fuel, increasing casualties.

According to CNN and Pakistan's Geo TV, the oil tanker turned over and fell off the road, as the driver lost control and crashed on the highway outside Bahawalpur in eastern Pakistan. Highway police could not stop villagers racing to collect the leaking fule with pots in their hands when the fire erupted. The fire soon spread to six other vehicles and 75 motorcycles. Witnesses said some of the villagers who rushed to the scene were smoking.

The death toll is likely to rise, as about 70 percent of 40 people who were rushed to hospitals suffered burns, with many of them in serious conditions. Some of the dead were reportedly burned beyond recognition and will have to be identified using DNA testing. A doctor at the Victoria Hospital said that at least 15 people were in critical conditions.