The deceased were identified as Adnan and Safdar, both bowser drivers who belonged to Khushab. Sukkur Deputy Commissioner Nadir Shahzad said the injured included drivers of other vehicles caught up in the incident.
The powerful explosion scattered debris several feet away and caused significant damage to nearby vehicles. CCTV footage of the incident has also emerged.
District Council Chairman Syed Kumail Haider Shah visited the site alongside the deputy commissioner and Sukkur Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Saleem Sohto to review the situation.
Speaking to reporters, the district council chairman said the injured were receiving medical treatment. He added that arrangements would be made to transfer them to a private hospital or by air ambulance if their condition required it.
Kumail Haider Shah also announced plans to establish rescue centres near the National Highway and motorway interchange to improve emergency response facilities.
Deputy Commissioner Shahzad said authorities were investigating the cause of the explosion and gathering information about the bowser’s origin. He stressed that providing the best possible medical care to the injured remained the administration’s immediate priority.
Meanwhile, SSP Saleem Sohto confirmed that traffic on the highway had been restored following the incident.
A Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) team also collected evidence from the scene to help determine the cause of the blast.
Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the explosion as the investigation continues.
