Final journey: Remains of CNG blast victims released in Rohri Canal

Six critical patients were shifted to Karachi.

SUKKUR: The charred remains of the unfortunate passengers of a wagon that caught fire after its CNG tank exploded on Tuesday, were scattered in Rohri Canal.

The passengers were all from the Bagri family and used to live in Setharja town. All 25 of them worked in Star Cotton Factory in Hingorja and took the wagon to and from work every day. The fire was so intense that 13 people, including women and children, were reduced to ashes.

The remains were collected in plastic bags and dispersed in the canal, which according to Hindu mythology, is “Darya Parwan”.

Rani, 16, Hanjoo, 14, Anjoo, 12, Shama, 10, Sabhagi, 13, Ayal, 10, Bhagwan Das, 15, Honari, 13, Lajwanti, 10, Ramko, seven, Dahi, eight, and Jumo died. Others were injured and around eight people were said to be in critical condition. They were taken to hospitals in Hingorja and Setharja since there is no burns ward in Sukkur and Khairpur. Six patients were critical and were brought to Karachi.

The deputy commissioner of Khairpur, Ghulam Abbas Baloch, had issued orders to implement Section 144 which was imposed after another passenger coach had caught fire near Ahmedpur in which 13 people died as well. He said that from Wednesday all CNG vehicles were banned throughout Khairpur district and the owners were directed to convert their vehicles to run on petrol or diesel. According to him, CNG kits in public transport will not be allowed at any cost , because the cylinders are fitted inside the vehicles, under the seats, where passengers sit. “This is like sitting on a live bomb,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Hingorja police registered a case against the driver and owner of the wagon, Akhtar Lund, on the request of Sugno Mal.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 22^nd, 2011.