Pakistan oil tanker inferno death toll rises over 200

Tuesday, 4 July 2017 16:00

The death toll from an oil tanker blaze in Pakistan has reached past 200.

The vehicle crashed near to Ahmedpur East on 25 June and burst into flames as villagers allegedly gathered to collect fuel from the wreckage.

The death toll immediately after the inferno was estimated at around 150 but has sharply risen after more victims have succumbed to burn injuries at hospitals.

Local officials now believe the figure to be at least 206.

A mass funeral for 125 of the victims was held last week.

A rescue service spokesperson said the cause of the blaze may have been the lighting of a cigarette by a passer-by.

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