MITHI: The death toll from an ambulance fire triggered by an oxygen cylinder explosion at a health centre in Tharparkar district of southern Sindh province rose to 10 on Friday after a newborn died from burn injuries at a hospital in Karachi.
The incident occurred late Wednesday at a basic health unit in Dano Dhandhal village, in Nagarparkar taluka, when an oxygen cylinder in an ambulance exploded as patients were being taken into the vehicle.
Seven people were killed on the spot, while six others sustained injuries. Two more victims subsequently died while being transported to hospitals, and the newborn, identified as Suresh Meghwar, died at Karachi’s Trauma Centre on Thursday.
Among the deceased were ambulance driver Pandhi Rajar, watchman Ishaq Thebo, dispenser Deenu Mal Meghwar, Jaswant Meghwar, Pradeep Bheel, Lachman Meghwar, Rajoo Meghwar, Mrs Karmoon Meghwar and Mrs Ladoo Meghwar.
An oxygen cylinder exploded inside a parked ambulance at a state-run health unit in Pakistan’s Tharparkar district on Wednesday night and set it on fire. Mithi’s deputy commissioner said nine people were killed, including hospital staff and a woman who had just given birth. Sindh’s chief minister ordered an inquiry.
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The tragedy plunged Dano Dhandhal village into mourning, with routine activities remaining suspended on Thursday.
President Asif Ali Zardari ordered an inquiry to establish the cause of the fire and directed the authorities to strengthen safety measures to prevent similar incidents.
In a statement, the president expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
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Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah announced compensation of Rs2 million for each family that lost a member in the incident.
He also directed the authorities to ensure the provision of the best possible medical treatment to the injured and ordered an inquiry into the incident.
The chief minister further directed Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MPA Qasim Soomro to visit Nagarparkar and oversee relief efforts.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also took notice of the tragedy and called for a thorough and transparent investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
