The Sindh administration has turned down an inquiry report into a blast and fire involving an ambulance in Tharparkar. According to sources, Chief Secretary Sindh was unhappy with the findings and sent the document back.
The report had been prepared by a committee headed by the Director General (DG) Health. In its place, the chief secretary has ordered a new three-member panel to be formed under the supervision of the Mirpurkhas commissioner.
Chief secretary orders fresh inquiry under Mirpurkhas commissioner
The new committee has been asked to look at every dimension of the incident and submit a detailed report within 72 hours. Its mandate also includes establishing the true cause of the explosion and defining the duties and accountability of the departments and officials involved.
Also read: Eight killed as ambulance catches fire in Tharparkar hospital
Explaining his decision, the chief secretary said, “I had received the report and directed the Mirpurkhas commissioner to conduct a fresh inquiry.” He did not elaborate on the shortcomings he found in the earlier document.
Initial findings link blast to oxygen cylinder swap
The final cause of the explosion has not been confirmed, and authorities are waiting for a forensic report. The initial inquiry, however, found that the blast happened while an empty oxygen cylinder was being replaced inside the ambulance. Possible causes listed include a fault in the cylinder, valve or regulator, or improper installation.
The report said a spanner had been used to open the oxygen flow meter, and that the ambulance engine was running during the replacement. A witness, Samina, told the inquiry committee the same thing, and other eyewitnesses said the explosion occurred during or immediately after the process.
Investigators also found that the vehicle had enough petrol at the time. According to the report, 233 litres were filled at a petrol pump in Islamkot during October, with the final refuelling recorded on October 28. The probe found no evidence that the cylinder held LPG or CNG, and it was in proper condition when inspected.
Fire safety lapses and unlicensed oxygen supply flagged in Thar
The report also highlighted serious gaps in fire safety at the Dhano Dhandal hospital. A fire extinguisher was stored in the hospital’s storeroom rather than being available during the emergency. The committee concluded that the fire could have been controlled had the extinguisher been mounted outside and within easy reach.
The inquiry further revealed that oxygen cylinders for hospitals in Thar were being bought from an unlicensed shopkeeper. The People’s Primary Healthcare Initiative (PPHI) was reportedly sourcing cylinders from a vendor without a sales licence or certification.
The report noted that the deceased ambulance driver, Pandi, and watchman, Ishaq, were smokers. Investigators, however, found no evidence that either man was smoking when the incident took place. The committee visited the site on October 30, recorded staff statements and examined available records. According to the report, the exact cause and responsibility can only be determined once the forensic and technical reports are received.
