Sudan tanker blast: 18 Indians among 23 killed in LPG tanker explosion, says Indian embassy; seven hospitalised with four in critical condition

Khartoum: At least 18 Indians were among the 23 people killed and over 130 injured in a horrific LPG tanker blast at a ceramic factory in Sudan, the Indian mission said in Khartoum on Wednesday.

Sixteen Indians were missing after the incident that happened at Seela Ceramic Factory in Bahri area in Khartoum, the national capital, on Tuesday.

“As per latest reports, but so far not confirmed officially, 18 are dead,” the Indian Embassy said in a release.

FIRE INCIDENT : SEELA CERAMIC FACTORY, BAHRI, KHARTOUM

Reference trailing Advisory dated 03.12.2019 on the fire incident at the Seela Ceramic Factory, Bahri, Khartoum. As per latest reports, but so far not confirmed officially, 18 are dead. The status of others....contd..

— India in Sudan (@EoI_Khartoum) December 4, 2019

“Some of the missing may be in the list of the dead which we are still to receive as identification is not possible because of the bodies being burnt,” it added. The embassy on Wednesday issued a detailed list of Indians who were hospitalised, went missing or survived the tragedy.

FIRE INCIDENT : SEELA CERAMIC FACTORY, BAHRI, KHARTOUM

contd... are as per lists given below, but 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. pic.twitter.com/SmBu9usj6o

— India in Sudan (@EoI_Khartoum) December 4, 2019

As per its data, seven people have been hospitalised, with four in critical condition.

Thirty-four Indians who survived have been accommodated at the Saloomi Ceramics Factory residence.

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.