MANSEHRA: Two people were killed and another one sustained critical burn injuries when an oil tanker exploded after plunging into a deep ravine in the Damgalla area of Balakot here on Friday.

“The tanker, loaded with petroleum, exploded after falling into a gorge, leaving two people dead and one critically injured,” Mohammad Sami Khan, a Rescue 1122 official, told reporters.

According to rescuers, the oil tanker was on its way to Balakot from Rawalpindi when the driver lost control of the steering due to high speed. As a result, the vehicle skidded off the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road and plunged into a deep ravine.

“As the tanker hit the gorge, a massive fire erupted, and flames shot high into the sky after a heavy explosion which was heard across the area, drawing people to rush to the site,” Mr Khan said.

The people rushed to the scene were unable to approach the burning tanker until firefighters arrived at the scene with fire tenders and ambulances. They cordoned off the area and extinguished the fire after hours of effort.

Mr Khan said that three people were travelling in the tanker and one of them jumped out before it fell into the ravine, while two others were trapped inside and were burnt to death and their bodies were charred beyond recognition.

He said identity of one of the deceased was established as Zahirullah. The injured man, identified as Gul Mohammad, who had jumped from the vehicle, was shifted to the tehsil headquarters hospital in Balakot.

Published in Dawn, May 2nd, 2026