A school-going child was killed and 20 other people sustained injuries in a fire that followed a gas cylinder explosion at a snack shop in Balochistan's Turbat area on Wednesday, according to provincial Minister for Information Zahoor Buleedi.

The explosion, which occurred at a shop near Turbat Park Hotel, sparked a blaze that engulfed a school van nearby, Commissioner Makran Division Sudal Loni said.

Read: Small, quality gas cylinders to be introduced to avoid blasts

The commissioner said that five of the severely injured children were transferred to Karachi via a special PIA flight. However, one of the injured expired en route, the minister of information later added.

Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan expressed concern at the incident and directed the local administration to provide the best treatment facilities to the injured, which includes passers-by as well.

The chief minister ordered that those severely injured be transferred to Karachi immediately, and announced that their treatment costs will be borne by the government.

A state of emergency has been imposed in Turbat hospitals after the incident, the commissioner for Makran division said.

Following the explosion, fire brigade staff of the local municipal corporation, and officials of the Pakistan Navy and Frontier Corps had helped bring the ensuing fire under control.

Later, Sindh Chief Minister’s Adviser on Information Murtaza Wahab contacted the Karachi West deputy commissioner and asked him to ensure the provision of best-possible medical facilities to the injured children.

Wahab also contacted the Balochistan information minister, who is accompanying the injured children, and offered him all possible assistance.