At Least 50 Injured, One Dead as Petrol Truck Explodes Near Nushki Terminal in Balochistan
Those with severe burns will be shifted to Quetta via helicopter
A deadly explosion in Nushki, Balochistan, has left one dead and over 50 injured after a petrol-laden truck exploded near a truck terminal on Monday.
The incident occurred when a parked truck caught fire, attracting a crowd of onlookers and prompting a response from fire brigade teams.
During the firefighting efforts, the truck exploded, impacting nearby fire engines and motorcycles.
Rescue officials confirmed that more than 50 individuals sustained burn injuries and were transported to local hospitals, where an emergency was declared.
As reported, several injured individuals are in critical condition, with arrangements underway to transfer severely burned victims to specialized burn units in Quetta.
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind called the incident a “tragic accident,” explaining that a sudden fire broke out in the parked truck, and the intensity of the flames damaged even the fire brigade’s vehicle.
An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the initial fire.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid gathering near vehicles carrying flammable materials during fire emergencies.
Nushki, near the Afghan border, serves as a key transit hub with heavy commercial vehicle traffic, including fuel carriers. Local authorities have repeatedly raised concerns about the safety of transporting hazardous materials, but enforcement remains weak in remote areas.
“The oil tanker was parked at a truck depot when it caught fire, injuring at least 40 people,” Noshki Deputy Commissioner (DC) Amjad Soomro told Dawn.com, adding that the fire was caused by welding work on the tanker.
“The fire brigade was trying to control the fire when the truck exploded,” DC Soomro said, adding that fire brigade personnel were seriously injured as a result.
According to him, four police personnel present at the scene to move citizens away were also injured, while those near the oil tanker suffered 70 to 80 per cent burns.
“Those with severe burns will be shifted to Quetta via helicopter,” DC Soomro added.
