Global perspective Human stories

Secretary-General extends condolences to victims in oil tanker truck explosion in Pakistan

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferré (file)
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.

Secretary-General extends condolences to victims in oil tanker truck explosion in Pakistan

Health
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres “is saddened” to learn of the large number of deaths and injured following today's explosion of an oil tanker truck in eastern Pakistan, his spokesperson has said.

“The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the people and Government of Pakistan on this tragic event and wishes those injured a speedy recovery,” Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, said in a statement.

According to media reports, the tanker flipped over on a highway near the Pakistani city of Ahmedpur East in Punjab's Bahawalpur district. Villagers in the area rushed to the site with buckets and containers to collect fuel. Then the truck exploded, engulfing the people on the road.

“The United Nations stands ready to endeavor to support the authorities with any support they may require,” the spokesperson added.