In a devastating incident that unfolded in the heart of Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar, at least six lives were tragically lost, including three firefighters, as a gas truck carrying 60 tons of liquefied natural gas crashed and exploded. The calamity occurred near the Dunjingarav market, prompting an immediate response from emergency services.
The Fatal Unfolding
The catastrophe unfolded in the early hours, with the Mongolia Emergency Management Office receiving a distress call at 1:04 a.m. local time. Preliminary assessments indicate that the gas truck collided with a small car, triggering a sudden explosion. A secondary blast, characterized by immense force, ensued, claiming the lives of three firefighters from the 63rd Fire Fighting and Rescue Unit of the National Fire Service.
Emergency Response Efforts
The Emergency Management Office swiftly mobilized more than 600 firefighters, deploying 100 vehicles to combat the flames that had engulfed the vicinity, including nearby buildings and a residential structure. The intensity of the fire necessitated a massive response, and after concerted efforts, the firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze.
Impact on Residents and Buildings
Residents in the proximity faced the brunt of the explosion, with shattered windows, damaged balconies, and the rapid spread of fire to adjacent structures. Scores of cars were consumed by the flames, adding to the chaos. Reports from Russia’s TASS news agency indicate that residents in nearby houses were advised to evacuate, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Eyewitness Accounts and Livestreamed Horror
Eyewitness Erdenebold Sukhbaatar, residing just 100 meters away from the explosion, initially mistook the incident for an earthquake or airplane crash. He described the harrowing experience of witnessing the explosion and the ensuing fire rapidly advancing towards neighboring buildings. Sukhbaatar, a 40-year-old lawyer, live-streamed the event on Facebook, capturing the unfolding tragedy.
Ongoing Investigations and Uncertain Toll
Mongolia’s Deputy Prime Minister S. Amarsaikhan provided insights into the preliminary assessment, detailing the truck collision and subsequent explosions. While casualties were reported from the firefighting unit, investigations and emergency measures are ongoing. Authorities express the challenge of guaranteeing that the casualty count will not rise as the situation continues to evolve.
As Ulaanbaatar grapples with the aftermath of this gas truck explosion, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability and destructive potential of such accidents.
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Credit: Lidia Kelly , Xiaoyu Yin and Nicoco Chan