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KHAIRPUR: At least 11 passengers, including women and children, were burnt to death and several others injured when the gas cylinder of a wagon exploded on Hingorja-Setharja road, near Rohri Canal bridge, on Tuesday.
The explosion turned the overcrowded vehicle, which was going to Ranipur from Thari Mirwah, into a fireball.
According to witnesses, some passengers saved their lives by smashing the door of the vehicle.
The victims include Sonari, 12; Raj Wanti, 9; Meeran, 11; Hanjoo; Shama; Mayari; Ramli and Hajran.
Several bodies were charred beyond recognition.
The injured were admitted to hospitals in Hingorja, Gambat and Thari Mirwah.
According to sources, the number of injured passengers was 15, although the Khairpur deputy commissioner put the number at 10.
He said two injured people had been sent to Hyderabad and Karachi because of their critical condition. Ambulances had been sent from Khairpur to the place of the accident, he said.
Hospital sources said that the injured belonged to the Marecha scheduled caste community.
Some injured passengers in Hingorja hospital said they worked as labourers in a factory near the town and were returning to their homes in Setharja.
According to locals, the fire brigade also tried to put out the fire.
There is no burns ward in any hospital in Khairpur district.
This was the fifth accident over the past six weeks in the country involving deficient CNG cylinders, and the second in Sindh.
Thirteen people lost their lives in a similar accident near Manganwari village, Khairpur district, on Nov 2.
