A devastating explosion rocked Noshki district in Balochistan after a diesel-laden truck caught fire and exploded at a truck depot, burning more than 40 people, including rescue workers and police officials.
According to Noshki Deputy Commissioner Amjad Soomro, the incident occurred when a truck carrying diesel suddenly caught fire. In an effort to protect the nearby populated area, the driver heroically moved the burning vehicle away before parking it.
As fire brigade teams arrived and locals attempted to extinguish the flames, a powerful explosion occurred due to the diesel igniting, engulfing the fire brigade vehicle as well.
Among the injured are Noshki DSP Sharif Barech and several fire brigade personnel. At least 15 injured individuals are reported to be in critical condition. Due to the limited availability of ambulances, 26 of the severely wounded were transported to Quetta’s Civil Hospital using private vehicles after receiving first aid, according to Medical Superintendent Abdul Hadi Kakar.
Additionally, five injured persons have been transferred to BMC (Bolan Medical College Hospital), he added. Emergency has been declared at Quetta Civil Hospital, and the injured are being provided immediate medical assistance at the trauma centre, hospital authorities confirmed.
Spokesperson for the Balochistan government, Shahid Rind, said that medical teams are actively assisting the victims and that an inquiry into the incident is underway. "The incident is deeply regrettable, and all efforts are being made to aid the victims," he stated.
Abdul Hadi Kakar stated that the injured are being provided with the best possible medical care. An emergency has been declared at both Civil Hospital and BMC, with additional medical staff called in to handle the situation.
Speaking to the media, Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar confirmed that a major incident had occurred in Noshki. He said that on the instructions of the Balochistan chief minister, a helicopter was dispatched to Noshki to assist in the emergency response.
The health minister assured that all necessary medical facilities are being provided to the injured and that if required, patients would be shifted to other cities for advanced treatment. He also mentioned that fear and panic had spread across the area following the blast. "There were only eight ambulances available in Noshki at the time," he noted.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident. He directed authorities to ensure immediate and high-quality medical treatment for the injured. The CM also ordered a comprehensive investigation into the Noshki blast and stressed the need for preventive measures to avoid such incidents in the future.
Furthermore, he instructed that the injured be fully supported throughout their recovery and that their caregivers be provided with all necessary assistance.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also expressed sorrow over the tragedy, urging authorities to conduct an immediate investigation and ensure strict measures to prevent such accidents in the future. He called for the best possible treatment for the injured and prayed for their swift recovery.
Bilawal also appealed to citizens to cooperate with hospital administrations by donating blood for the injured.
