Noshki, April 28, 2025: A devastating explosion shook Balochistan’s Noshki district on Monday after a diesel-laden truck caught fire and exploded at a local truck depot, leaving over 40 people injured, including police officers and rescue workers.
According to Noshki Deputy Commissioner Amjad Soomro, the incident began when a truck transporting diesel suddenly caught fire. In an effort to avert a larger disaster, the driver managed to steer the burning vehicle away from residential areas before parking it at the depot. However, as fire brigade teams and locals worked to contain the flames, a massive explosion erupted, engulfing a fire brigade vehicle as well.
Among the injured are Noshki Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sharif Barech and several fire service personnel. Officials report that at least 15 individuals are critically injured.
Medical Superintendent Abdul Hadi Kakar said that, due to the limited number of ambulances available, 26 severely injured individuals had to be transported to Quetta’s Civil Hospital in private vehicles after initial treatment. Five others were shifted to Bolan Medical College (BMC) Hospital for advanced care.
Emergency status has been declared at both Quetta Civil Hospital and BMC Hospital. Additional medical staff have been deployed, and trauma centers have been fully activated to treat the influx of patients.
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind confirmed that medical teams are actively engaged in assisting the victims, and that a full inquiry into the incident has been ordered.
“This tragedy is deeply regrettable. We are doing everything possible to help the victims,” he stated.
Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar, speaking to reporters, confirmed that a helicopter was dispatched to Noshki on the instructions of Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti to aid in rescue efforts.
“The injured are being provided with the best possible medical facilities. If needed, patients will be shifted to other cities for specialized treatment,” the minister added, noting that fear and panic had gripped the area following the blast. He also pointed out the shortage of ambulances at the time of the incident.
Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and ordered immediate and quality medical care for the injured. He directed officials to launch a comprehensive investigation into the explosion and implement preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.
The CM also emphasized that the victims and their families must be provided with full support throughout their recovery.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also expressed grief over the incident. He urged authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and to take strict measures to prevent such accidents. Bilawal called for the best medical care for the injured and appealed to citizens to donate blood to aid the victims.
