A massive explosion occurred in a fuel car near the Noshki district of Balochistan on Monday after a fire that broke out on stage. The explosion caused serious injuries to more than 40 people, many of which were seriously burned, Express News reported.

According to reports, the incident took place as efforts were underway to control the fire that had started in an oil tanker on the truck stand. Firefighter vehicles and rescue teams were sent to the stage, but as they tried to put out the fire, a fire also broke out in a fire truck.

Rescue sources confirmed that more individuals were poorly burned in the explosion and were immediately rushed to hospitals to get medical attention. The hospital’s officials stated that the more critically wounded persons would be lifted to Quetta after further care after receiving initial treatment.

The district administration issued a statement confirming that more than 40 people had been injured in the explosion. The statement explained that the incident was taking place while efforts were underway to control the fire that had shrouded the fuel tank on the oil tanker parked on the booth.

Authorities also reported that members of four brigade suffered serious burns as they were close to the explosion.

In addition, four police officers who were present to evacuate civilians from the area were also severely burned. People near the oil tanker were reported to have suffered burns to 70 to 80 percent of their bodies.

The district administration also stated that the most critically wounded persons would be lifted to Quetta via helicopter for specialized medical treatment.

Authorities have launched a study of the cause of the fire and the subsequent explosion.