TAFTAN: A powerful explosion ripped through a parked LPG tanker in the border town of Taftan late at night, killing one person and injuring six others, including a senior local official.
The blast occurred near the Customs House in Taftan, a town near the Pakistan-Iran border in southwestern Balochistan province. Authorities said a fire broke out suddenly in the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker before triggering a massive explosion during rescue efforts.
Emergency teams and district administration officials rushed to the scene after receiving reports of flames engulfing the vehicle. While firefighters attempted to control the blaze, the tanker exploded with a loud blast that residents heard across the town.
The explosion sent towering flames into the air and ignited nearby structures. The fire spread to nearly a dozen warehouses and parts of the adjacent residential area, causing panic among residents and traders in the nearby market.
Police and rescue officials said an apparent gas leak or technical fault may have sparked the initial fire, which spread rapidly due to the flammable cargo.
One person died in the incident. Six others suffered burn injuries, including Taftan Assistant Commissioner Naeem Shahwani, who was overseeing the rescue operation at the site.
Authorities said firefighters have brought about 70 percent of the blaze under control, but efforts to fully extinguish the fire continue.
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Officials said preliminary findings point to possible negligence in gas transportation or a mechanical failure. The incident has once again raised concerns about safety standards and handling procedures for hazardous materials in border regions.
