Oxygen Cylinder Explosion in Pakistan Ambulance Kills Nine, Injures Five

KARACHI, Oct 29:  At least nine people were killed and five others suffered serious burn injuries when an oxygen cylinder exploded inside an ambulance at a hospital in southern Pakistan, police said Thursday.

The incident occurred late Wednesday night at a hospital in Tharparkar district of Sindh province, when hospital staff were preparing patients for transfer.

According to police, staff members were connecting an oxygen cylinder inside the ambulance when it suddenly exploded, setting the vehicle on fire.

The victims included patients and hospital staff, police said.

Five other people sustained serious burn injuries in the incident. Further details about the identities of the deceased and the condition of the injured were not immediately available.

Authorities have launched an inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding the explosion and establish what caused the oxygen cylinder to detonate.

The investigation is ongoing.