THARPARKAR: Seven people, including four hospital employees, a pregnant woman and two attendants, were killed when an ambulance caught fire following an explosion while its oxygen cylinder was being fitted at a basic health centre in Tharparkar, rescue officials said. According to rescue officials, the fire broke out while the ambulance was parked at the health facility and the victims suffered fatal burn injuries inside the vehicle.

The hospital administration stated that the pregnant woman was inside the ambulance when staff began fitting the oxygen cylinder for her emergency transfer. An unexpected explosion occurred during the installation process, immediately triggering a massive blaze that engulfed the entire transport vehicle within moments.

The deceased included four dedicated members of the hospital staff, the pregnant woman and two people accompanying patients as attendants, rescue officials confirmed. Assistant Commissioner officials also verified the incident, noting that the fire rapidly engulfed the vehicle, leaving no survivors among the seven occupants.

Local police and emergency responders rushed to the scene immediately after receiving reports of the blast to conduct rescue operations and shift bodies. District administration officials announced an immediate inquiry into the tragedy to determine accountability and examine standard operating procedures.

The tragic incident has once again drawn urgent attention to safety hazards regarding oxygen cylinder handling and emergency medical transport protocols at remote healthcare facilities. Health authorities across the province have been directed to review safety protocols and ensure strict compliance during the handling of pressurized medical equipment.