An oil tanker carrying 40,000 litres of car fuel overturned on Motorway M-9 near Hyderabad, police said on Saturday.

Police attributed the accident to the negligence of driver Noor Khan, who they said died on the spot. The incident occurred in Hyderabad district, police said.

The vehicle was secured by police officers. No other casualties were reported.

In June, more than 200 people had died in a fire caused when an oil tanker crashed in Bahawalpur. A crowd had gathered to collect fuel leaking from the tanker, which exploded due to as yet unknown reasons.

Motorway Police spokesperson Imran Shah said police officials had raced to the scene and tried to keep people away from the tanker, but they were ignored as residents rushed to gather fuel.

According to a report by a three-member committee formed by the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra), the tanker did not meet the technical standards required to carry 50,000 litres of petrol. It also said that the tanker did not meet the regulations set by Ogra and the Explosives Department. Additionally, it claimed the tanker was carrying a fake fitness certificate.

The report recommended greater vigilance regarding safety standards for oil marketing companies, also asking them for a "timeline action plan for conversion of tank lorries of their contractor/haulier to the applicable safety laws and regulations".

It recommended the Oil Companies Advisory Committee ensure an aggressive campaign to make the public aware of hazards, and the local governments and departments to revisit their plans for patrolling and quick response.