Oxygen Cylinder Blast in Tharparkar, Pakistan Claims Nine Lives, Including Pregnant Woman

Tharparkar, October 29 (Daily Kiran) : A devastating explosion from an oxygen cylinder in Tharparkar district, Sindh province, Pakistan, has led to the deaths of nine individuals, including a pregnant woman. The incident occurred when the blast erupted in an ambulance parked at a health facility. Rescue officials reported that one victim succumbed to injuries while being transported to Karachi.

According to local media, the explosion took place at the ‘People’s Primary Healthcare Initiative’ (PPHI) operated ambulance in the Danodhandhal area of Nagarparkar. Staff members were in the process of replacing the oxygen cylinder when the fire ignited.

The Assistant Commissioner of Nagarparkar confirmed that the ambulance was stationary at the health center during the explosion. Hospital administration and rescue teams indicated that the pregnant woman was inside the ambulance at the time of the incident.

Among the deceased were a dispenser from PPHI, the ambulance driver, a security guard, and another staff member. Initial reports from rescue officials revealed that the victims included the pregnant woman and two companions.

Police further stated that the injured comprised two midwives and a female attendant from the basic health center. The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) for Tharparkar has directed authorities to ensure immediate medical assistance and timely treatment for the injured. Following initial treatment, the wounded were transported to Karachi for further care.

This region of Sindh is frequently affected by drought, compelling residents to rely heavily on government health facilities for medical care. In a notable incident from October 2019, a civil hospital in Mithi denied an ambulance to transport a deceased infant, citing a lack of funds for fuel.