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Attempts to conceal alleged financial irregularities and missing inventory
BeNewz Report
QUETTA: A massive fire erupted at a Pakistan Customs warehouse in the Lak Pass area of Balochistan on Sunday, injuring at least 37 people and destroying goods and vehicles worth billions of rupees, rescue officials said.
The blaze triggered multiple explosions as LPG bowsers and gas cylinders caught fire inside the warehouse, spreading panic across the surrounding area. Thick smoke and flames were visible from several kilometres away.
According to rescue sources, the fire broke out suddenly around 11am and rapidly engulfed the entire warehouse complex. Emergency teams, firefighters, and law enforcement agencies rushed to the scene to contain the blaze and evacuate the injured.
Following the incident, the Quetta-Karachi National Highway was closed for all kinds of traffic due to security concerns and ongoing rescue operations. Authorities also declared an emergency at hospitals across Quetta, calling in additional doctors and medical staff.
The injured were initially shifted to Sheikh Zayed Hospital for emergency treatment, while critically burned victims were later transferred to Civil Hospital Quetta and the BMC Burn Unit. Hospital sources said several victims suffered serious burn injuries.
The incident comes amid reports that an audit and stock-taking exercise was underway at the customs warehouse following an alleged silver smuggling scandal. Sources claimed that officials had discovered discrepancies involving goods worth billions of rupees during the audit process, with some seized items allegedly found missing from the warehouse.
Unconfirmed reports circulating among officials and local sources suggested that investigators were examining whether the fire could be linked to attempts to conceal alleged financial irregularities and missing inventory. However, authorities have not officially confirmed the cause of the fire or the allegations surrounding the audit.
Customs authorities, district administration officials, and law enforcement agencies have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the blaze and assess the scale of financial losses.
Officials said a detailed inquiry would establish whether the fire was accidental or the result of criminal negligence or foul play.
