At least 10 people were killed when an oxygen cylinder exploded inside a parked ambulance at a government-run medical facility in Tharparkar district, Sindh, overnight. District Police Chief Arif Aziz said the victims included staff at the facility, patients and their relatives, and police and hospital officials confirmed the deaths on Thursday.
Local police official Khalil Abro said patients were being transferred to another hospital when the explosion happened. Television pictures showed flames engulfing the vehicle and later its blackened frame outside the building as people gathered nearby. The exact cause is still under investigation.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed sorrow over the deaths, called for a prompt and transparent investigation, urged stronger safety measures to prevent similar incidents, and wished the injured a speedy recovery. The tragedy is a grim reminder of the safety standards needed wherever oxygen equipment is handled.
Sources: Associated Press, Arab News. Written in our own words for information only.