THARPARKAR, Pakistan — A catastrophic oxygen cylinder explosion inside a parked ambulance killed at least 10 people and left several others severely injured late Wednesday night at a government-run medical facility in southern Pakistan’s Sindh province.
The blast occurred in the Tharparkar district as hospital employees and medical staff were preparing to transfer critically ill patients to another facility.
According to local police and emergency officials, the disaster unfolded when staff members were connecting oxygen equipment inside the vehicle. The oxygen cylinder suddenly exploded, instantly igniting a intense blaze that swallowed the ambulance within seconds.
The explosion sent shockwaves across the hospital compound, shattering nearby windows and leaving the vehicle reduced to a charred metal frame.
"The victims include hospital employees, patients, and their relatives who were standing nearby during the transfer," confirmed the district police chief during an operational press update.
First responders and bystanders rushed to the burning vehicle with fire extinguishers and water buckets, but the intense heat prevented immediate rescues.
At least five survivors sustained severe burn injuries and were transferred to regional trauma centers for emergency care.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, drawing grief-stricken family members and concerned residents to the facility overnight as authorities worked to identify the deceased. Healthcare advocacy groups quickly highlighted the tragedy as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stricter safety protocols, routine pressure checks, and mandatory equipment certifications across rural public hospitals.
In response to growing public outrage, provincial health authorities announced an immediate audit of medical transport equipment across all public health facilities in the province. Inspections will focus on oxygen storage systems, emergency valves, and fire suppression gear inside ambulances to prevent similar mechanical failures from occurring again.
Provincial authorities in Sindh have ordered an immediate safety inquiry into the disaster to determine whether equipment failure, faulty pressure valves, or improper handling led to the fatal explosion. High-level officials expressed deep grief over the loss of life and pledged support for the victims' families.
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