18 Indians Among 23 People Killed In LPG Tanker Blast At Ceramic Factory In Sudan

According to reports, the casualties include employees of various nationalities including Indians and some other Asian countries.

Sixteen Indians were missing after the incident that happened at Seela Ceramic Factory in Bahri. (Image: AFP)

New Delhi/ Khartoum: In a major tragedy, at least 18 Indians were among 23 people killed and around 130 injured in a horrific LPG tanker blast at a ceramic factory in Sundan, the Indian High Commission said on Wednesday. The accident took place at Sudanese capital Khartoum on Tuesday evening. According to reports, the casualties include employees of various nationalities including Indians and some other Asian countries. Sixteen Indians were missing after the incident that happened at Seela Ceramic Factory in Bahri area in Khartoum. "As per latest reports, but so far not confirmed officially, 18 are dead," the Indian Embassy said in an official release. "Some of the missing may be in the list of dead which we are still to receive as identification is not possible because of the bodies being burnt," it added. The Indian Embassy on Wednesday issued a detailed list of Indians who were hospitalised, went missing or survived the tragedy. As per its data, 7 people have been hospitalised, with four in critical condition. Thirty four Indians who survived have been accommodated at the Saloomi Ceramics Factory residence.

The Embassy representative has rushed to the site. A 24-hour emergency hotline +249-921917471 has been set up by @EoI_Khartoum. Embassy is also putting out updates on social media.

Our prayers are with the workers and their families. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 4, 2019

An AFP report quoted the Sudanese government saying that 23 people were killed and more than 130 injured in the incident, which, according to preliminary reports, indicate that necessary safety equipment was missing at the site. "There were also inflammable materials improperly stored, which led to the spread of the fire," the government said, adding that an investigation has been launched. As per eyewitnesses, fire came after a gas tanker exploded while unloading its shipment at the factory. They also added that the blast was so powerful it blew the tanker into a nearby lot. According to media reports, blast had led to major loss of life and property, and that a rescue operation was ongoing. Thick plumes of black smoke billowed into the sky after the blaze broke out in the industrial zone. Reportedly, the state police have cordoned off the area and rescue operations are underway. Doctors at Bahari Hospital in north Khartoum made an urgent appeal for all medical personnel to come to the hospital to help treat the burn victims.