MITHI: A committee of the health department on Friday started its probe into the incident of oxygen cylinder blast and ensuing fire that had claimed 10 lives at a healthcare facility in the Dano Dhandhal village of Nagarparkar taluka on Oct 28.
Residents and civil society representatives, recording their statements, criticised performance of the Peoples Primary Healthcare Initiative (PPHI).
The committee inspected the site, visited bereaved families, collected evidence and recorded statements of several people. However, it is yet to record the statements of Sameena Junejo and Noor Jehan, the two injured midwives who witnessed the incident. Both have been referred from the Civil Hospital in Mithi to Karachi.
Civil Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Shahid Jhanjhi told journalists that both women were stable and out of danger. He said they had been referred to Karachi on the authorities’ instructions for specialist consultations and necessary tests.
Three officials suspended
The PPHI Sindh has ordered suspension of three local officials following the tragedy: District Support Manager Soobdar Shahani, Executive Monitoring Officer Zaheer Hussain Babar and Social Organiser Parkash Rathore. The health department said Mr Shahani’s suspension was pending further proceedings under the applicable rules.
The Sindh health department has constituted the inquiry committee under Director General Health Services Dr Aneesur Rehman Siddiqui. Assistant Commissioner Umair Ashraf represents the district administration.
According to the department, the committee has been tasked with investigating the circumstances of the incident, establishing its exact cause, examining possible negligence or lapses and fixing responsibility.
Local reports put the death toll at 10, while the department’s press statement reported eight deaths, including three staff members, and injuries to four people.
The department described the incident as a reported explosion of an oxygen cylinder fitted in an ambulance at the Rural Health Centre in Dano Dhandhal. The precise cause remains under investigation.
Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved families. She said the provincial government would ensure medical treatment for the injured and accountability for any negligence or lapses established by the inquiry.
Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2026
