At least 50 people were injured and three died after a petrol-laden truck exploded near a truck terminal in the Nushki district of Balochistan on Monday.

According to initial reports, the truck caught fire while parked at the terminal. Fire brigade teams were engaged in efforts to douse the flames, while a large crowd of bystanders had gathered at the scene. During the firefighting operation, the truck exploded, engulfing nearby fire engines and several motorcycles in the blast.

Rescue officials confirmed that more than 50 individuals suffered burn injuries in the explosion. The injured were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals, where an emergency has been declared to deal with the influx of patients.

Authorities said that several of the injured are in critical condition, and arrangements are being made to move the severely burnt victims to specialised burn units in Quetta.

Spokesperson for the Balochistan government, Shahid Rind, described the incident as a “tragic accident,” stating that a sudden fire erupted in the parked truck. The intensity of the flames was so severe that even the fire brigade’s vehicle was affected.

An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the initial fire. Officials have urged the public to avoid gathering around vehicles carrying flammable materials during fire emergencies to prevent such tragedies.

The Balochistan government has termed the incident “highly unfortunate” and confirmed that a full investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire and subsequent explosion.

Nushki, located near the Afghan border, is a key transit hub and often sees heavy movement of commercial vehicles, including fuel carriers. Safety concerns over the transport of hazardous materials have been repeatedly raised by local authorities, but enforcement remains weak in remote areas.