10 killed in Gujranwala cylinder explosion: rescue officials

• Van carrying passengers from Rawalpindi to Gujranwala hit by a mini truck, causing a cylinder at the back to explode.
• Ten people killed, at least six injured.
• Injured taken to DHQ Hospital but are in critical condition so being referred to Lahore for treatment.

The death toll of people killed in Gujranwala on Sunday, after a gas cylinder at the back of a van exploded, increased from nine to 10, after one of the injured people rescued earlier succumbed to their wounds, rescue officials said.

The rescue personnel in charge said that an operation to pull out more bodies from inside the van is underway.

Rescue personnel earlier reported seven people injured in the explosion, saying they were taken to the DHQ Hospital for medical treatment.

An initial probe by the authorities revealed that the van was carrying passengers travelling from Rawalpindi to Gujranwala.

According to police, the vehicle was hit by a mini truck, and the cylinder  at the back of the van resultantly exploded.

The DHQ Hospital medical superintendent confirmed receiving seven people for treatment.

The MS said that the injured are in a critical state and are being referred to Lahore for treatment.

This is a developing story and will be updated. Geo.tv will strive to ensure the timeliness and accuracy of information. Initial facts and figures may be revised as the latest updates are received.