At least six dead as 'tsunami of fire' rips through city after tanker carrying 60 tons of gas explodes in Mongolia
At least six people have been killed after a “tsunami of fire” exploded from a tanker carrying 60 tons of liquid gas.
The truck caught fire after a horror crash near a busy market in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
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Dramatic footage showed the tanker engulfed in flames before a second massive explosion caused a huge fireball.
People were seen fleeing the explosion as cars turned to get out of the way of the raging inferno.
According to reports, the series of explosions were felt hundreds of meters away from the burning truck.
More than 600 firefighters and 100 vehicles were involved in bringing the fire under control.
Several firefighters died in the inferno, Mongolia's Emergency Management Agency said.
Spokesman G. Ariunbuyan said: “Six people were killed, 14 people – three children and 11 adults – were injured.
COLLISION WITH CAR
“23 adults and 17 children were evacuated from the area and placed in a hotel, 30 cars were burned.
“Three of the dead were soldiers from the 63rd unit of Bayazurkh district.
“My deepest condolences to the families of the officers.”
The official said at least 11 adults and three children required medical treatment for burns.
We wish a speedy recovery for those injured in this tragic event
Fiona Blyth
The explosion was caused by an accident on a busy roundabout in the capital.
Ariunbuyan added: “Based on the preliminary assessment of the cause of the fire, it is concluded that the explosion occurred when a truck loaded with liquefied natural gas gas did not drive the distance on the roundabout and collided with a passenger car.
Fiona Blyth, the British Ambassador to Mongolia, said: “On behalf of the British Embassy, I extend my condolences to the officers who died in the tragic Dunjingarav accident.
“Our thoughts are with the families of all those affected and we wish a speedy recovery for those injured in this tragic event.”
US Ambassador to Mongolia Richard Buangan said he was “deeply saddened by the terrible accident”.
He said: “I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the NEMA workers who lost their lives in this shocking accident.”
Where is Mongolia located?
Mongolia is a country in East Asia bordered by China and Russia.
With a population of 3.3 million, it is the least populated sovereign state in the world.
It is also the largest landlocked country in the world.
After the collapse of the Qing dynasty in 1911, Mongolia declared and became independent from China in 1921.
And from 1921 to the late 1980s, Mongolia was a one-party state closely associated with the Soviet Union.
But starting in 1990, Mongolia ended the communists' monopoly on power in favor of free multiparty elections, coalition government and a new constitution.
Mongolia is a member of the UNAsia Cooperation Dialogue, G77, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and a NATO global partner.
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