Gas Tanker Explosion at Factory in Sudan’s Khartoum Kills at Least 23, Dozens Injured

Thick black smoke billows from a tile manufacturing factory in North Khartoum after a gas tanker explosion caused a deadly fire, killing at least 23 people and injuring dozens, according to Sudanese officials.

Khartoum:
At least 23 people were killed and 45 others injured after a gas tanker exploded inside an industrial facility in Khartoum, Sudan’s capital, on Tuesday, according to government officials. The powerful blast triggered a massive fire at a tile manufacturing factory in the industrial zone of North Khartoum, sending thick plumes of black smoke high into the sky and causing widespread panic in surrounding areas.

Authorities said six of the injured remain in critical condition, raising concerns that the death toll could increase. Emergency services and civil defense teams rushed to the scene shortly after the explosion, battling intense flames for several hours as they worked to rescue trapped workers and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby facilities.

Explosion Rocks Industrial Zone

The explosion occurred during working hours at a tile manufacturing unit located in one of Khartoum’s busiest industrial districts. Witnesses described hearing a loud blast that shook nearby buildings and shattered windows several kilometers away.

Residents in neighboring areas reported seeing a towering column of smoke rising from the factory complex moments after the explosion. Video footage circulating on social media showed flames engulfing parts of the facility as emergency crews attempted to contain the blaze.

According to preliminary assessments by authorities, the explosion originated from a gas tanker parked inside or adjacent to the factory premises. The tanker reportedly ignited while operations were ongoing, triggering a fire that rapidly spread through flammable materials stored at the site.

Official Confirmation of Casualties

Sudan’s cabinet confirmed the casualty figures in an official statement released later in the day. “Twenty-three people have lost their lives, and 45 others were injured following a fire caused by a gas tanker explosion in the industrial area of North Khartoum,” the statement said.

Officials added that emergency responders transported the injured to several hospitals across the capital, where medical teams were placed on high alert. Hospitals appealed for blood donations as doctors worked to treat burn victims and those suffering from smoke inhalation.

Health authorities said that at least six people remain in critical condition, many with severe burns. “The injuries range from minor to life-threatening, and some patients are receiving intensive care,” a health official said.

Firefighting and Rescue Efforts

Civil defense teams and firefighters faced significant challenges in controlling the blaze due to the presence of highly combustible materials at the factory. The fire burned for several hours before being brought under control, officials said.

Firefighters used heavy equipment to cool surrounding structures and gas storage units to prevent further explosions. Rescue teams also searched through debris to ensure that no workers remained trapped inside the facility.

Authorities temporarily closed roads leading to the industrial zone to allow emergency vehicles to operate freely. Security forces established a cordon around the site as investigators began assessing the damage.

Preliminary Cause Under Investigation

While the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, officials said early reports indicate that the blast was triggered by the ignition of a gas tanker. The cabinet statement noted that preliminary findings suggest the tanker may have leaked or malfunctioned before igniting.

Safety experts have been dispatched to the site to examine whether proper safety protocols were followed and whether the tanker met regulatory standards. Investigators are also expected to review the factory’s handling and storage of flammable materials.

“No final conclusions will be drawn until the investigation is complete,” an official familiar with the probe said. “We are looking at all possibilities, including technical failure, human error, and safety compliance issues.”

Impact on Workers and Families

The explosion has had a devastating impact on factory workers and their families. Many of the victims were reportedly employees who were on duty at the time of the blast, while others may have been contractors or delivery personnel present at the site.

Relatives of the victims gathered outside hospitals seeking information about their loved ones. Some families expressed frustration over what they described as inadequate safety measures in industrial facilities across the region.

“We are waiting for answers,” said a relative of one injured worker. “This should not have happened if safety rules were properly enforced.”

Government Response and Condolences

Sudanese officials expressed condolences to the families of those killed and pledged support for the injured. The cabinet said it would closely monitor the investigation and take necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Local authorities have also indicated that compensation for victims and their families will be considered once the investigation establishes responsibility. “The government is committed to ensuring accountability and improving industrial safety standards,” the cabinet statement said.

Senior officials visited the scene of the explosion and several hospitals treating the injured, according to state media reports.

Industrial Safety Concerns in Sudan

The incident has once again highlighted concerns about industrial safety in Sudan, particularly in older manufacturing zones where infrastructure and safety oversight may be inadequate. Experts say many factories operate with aging equipment and insufficient safety inspections, increasing the risk of accidents involving hazardous materials.

Gas tankers and storage facilities pose a significant risk if not properly maintained and monitored. Even minor leaks can lead to catastrophic explosions when combined with high temperatures or sparks.

Industrial safety specialists have called for stricter enforcement of safety regulations, regular inspections, and improved training for workers handling hazardous substances. “Prevention is key,” one expert said. “These tragedies are often avoidable with the right safeguards.”

Environmental and Community Impact

In addition to the human toll, the explosion raised environmental concerns as thick smoke blanketed parts of North Khartoum. Residents reported a strong smell of burning chemicals in the air, prompting fears about potential health risks.

Authorities advised people in nearby neighborhoods to stay indoors and keep windows closed until air quality improved. Environmental teams are expected to assess whether the fire released harmful substances into the air or surrounding soil.

The factory’s operations have been suspended indefinitely pending the outcome of the investigation.

A City on Edge

Khartoum, already facing economic challenges and infrastructure strain, has been shaken by the scale of the tragedy. The explosion comes amid broader concerns about workplace safety and emergency preparedness in the country.

Community leaders and labor groups have urged authorities to treat the incident as a wake-up call. “This disaster must lead to real change,” said a labor representative. “Workers’ lives depend on it.”

Ongoing Investigation

As of Tuesday evening, investigators continued to examine the blast site, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. Officials said a detailed report would be released once the investigation is completed.

For now, the focus remains on treating the injured and supporting grieving families. With several victims still in critical condition, authorities warned that the casualty figures may change.

The deadly explosion at the Khartoum factory stands as one of the most serious industrial accidents in the Sudanese capital in recent years, underscoring the urgent need for improved safety measures in high-risk workplaces.

 

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