ZHOB: At least 16 people were injured on Thursday when a fire broke out in a coal-laden truck and an oil tanker parked along the National Highway in Zhob. The blaze erupted suddenly, spreading quickly and affecting firefighters, drivers, and police personnel present at the scene.
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Rescue authorities said the truck and oil tanker caught fire for reasons that are still under investigation. The intensity of the flames caused multiple injuries, including serious burns to six individuals who were immediately shifted to hospitals in Quetta for specialized medical treatment.
Rescue and fire brigade teams rushed to the scene and worked to bring the blaze under control. Local hospitals in Zhob provided first aid and treatment to the remaining injured, ensuring that all affected received timely medical attention.
Coal Truck, Oil Tanker Catch Fire in Zhob; 16 injured #onlineindusnews https://t.co/Ym8m2HElqE pic.twitter.com/BWT4UzdfDH
— Online Indus (@onlineindus) December 18, 2025
Local police confirmed that the exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined. An investigation has been launched to explore possible reasons, including negligence, mechanical failure, or other contributing factors. Authorities are collecting evidence and questioning witnesses to understand how the incident occurred.
The fire caused disruption along the National Highway for several hours, with traffic delayed as emergency teams worked to secure the area. Officials have urged drivers and transport operators to follow safety protocols when parking vehicles carrying flammable or combustible materials.
Meanwhile, firefighters were praised for their swift response, which helped prevent the fire from spreading further and causing additional casualties or property damage. Authorities have reiterated the importance of fire safety and adherence to precautionary measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.
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The incident highlights the risks associated with transporting coal and oil along busy highways and the need for continuous vigilance and safety measures.