An Oil tanker in Pakistan exploded today killing about 140 people

A disastrous happening happened earlier on Sunday when a tanker driver conveying petroleum product lost control while he was rounding a sharp bend,which led to the tanker falling on the national highway outside Bahawalpur.


According to reports,the tanker was heading from Karachi to Lahore when the incident happened and immediately the tanker  crashed,a loudspeaker on top of a Mosque quickly alerted people of the mishap.

This however prompted people,both young and old to the scene to scoop free petroleum product with their Jerry-cans and bowls.Eyewitness report states that about 20 motorbikes conveyed people to the scene to scoop the free petroleum products.

Unfortunately for them,as they were eagerly scooping the fuel,the tanker exploded and burnt many of them beyond recognition.Rescue officials at the scene reported that about 140 people were instantly killed and about 40 others were seriously injured.

Those killed included men,women and children.The motorbikes that conveyed the villages were burnt beyond recognition.This unfortunate incident happened on the eve of the Eid-al-Fitr holidays.

According to a police officer,Abdul Malik who was among the rescuers,he said:

''I have never seen anything like it in my life.Victims trapped in the fireball,they were screaming for help.''

''When the flames subsided,we saw bodies everywhere.So many were just skeletons,the people who were alive were in really bad shape.''

Developing reports states that a passer-by who was lighting a cigarette caused the fire incident and many who were burnt beyond recognition will only be identified through DNA sampling.

Rescue helicopters and ambulances were sent to take the victims to the hospitals.