SARGODHA: In a devastating incident that occurred in Bhalwal city of Sargodha district, seven individuals lost their lives and approximately 13 others sustained injuries when an LPG cylinder, installed in a passenger van carrying 21 people, exploded on Saturday. The van, a white Toyota Hiace, was en route to Kot Momin when the tragic incident unfolded.
As per a statement released by the Rescue 1122 Control Room, seven individuals lost their lives instantly, and another 14 sustained injuries, with seven of them being in critical condition and subsequently transferred to the Bhalwal Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital.
According to the statement, Rescue 1122 received a distress call regarding the incident at 8:35 am. They swiftly responded to the call within a mere seven minutes, dispatching nine ambulances, three fire-fighting vehicles, and a rescue vehicle to the location. The call had reported a fire outbreak in a Gara Brothers’ Transport Hiace vehicle, resulting from a gas leak in its Liquified Petroleum Gas cylinder.
According to the local police, the explosion was triggered by a gas leak from a substandard LPG cylinder installed in the van. Immediately after the explosion, the vehicle caught fire, engulfing it entirely.
Mohammad Shahid, Head Constable at the Kot Momin Police Station and an eyewitness to the incident stated that he was seated in the front of the van when the cylinder exploded around 8:30 am. Reacting swiftly, he managed to exit the van and proceeded to break open the middle and rear doors to rescue the passengers who were trapped as flames rapidly consumed the vehicle.
Despite his valiant efforts, Shahid could not save six to seven individuals who were present in the van at the time of the explosion. The injured victims were promptly transported to nearby hospitals in Sargodha and Kot Momin for medical treatment.
Early reports from the rescue-emergency officers indicated that the condition of one of the injured was critical. Authorities have commenced the process of identifying the deceased victims.
Tragically, incidents of this nature are not uncommon in Pakistan, as numerous passenger vans continue to operate with substandard cylinders, often lacking quality and security checks. The absence of robust regulations and oversight in the cylinder industry poses a grave threat to public safety.
The authorities need to address this issue urgently, taking immediate steps to enforce stringent safety standards for all vehicles utilizing LPG cylinders. Regular inspections and quality checks must be implemented to prevent the use of substandard cylinders, thereby mitigating the risk of similar disasters in the future.
Public awareness campaigns should also be launched to educate citizens about the dangers associated with compromised LPG cylinders and promote responsible usage. This will help in creating a sense of accountability among vehicle owners and drivers, compelling them to prioritize the safety of their passengers.
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Additionally, it is imperative that the concerned regulatory bodies work closely with law enforcement agencies to identify and penalize individuals and businesses involved in the production, distribution, and installation of substandard LPG cylinders. This collaborative effort will serve as a deterrent and discourage the use of hazardous cylinders, ensuring the safety of the public.
The tragic incident in Sargodha should serve as a wake-up call to the authorities, urging them to address the rampant use of substandard LPG cylinders in passenger vehicles. It is only through proactive measures and strict enforcement of safety standards that such devastating accidents can be prevented, saving precious lives and sparing families the agony of such heart-wrenching tragedies.
In the aftermath of this horrific event, our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of the deceased. May they find solace and strength during this difficult time.
