At least 19 Indian nationals were among 23 people killed in
an LPG tanker blast at a factory in Sudan. According to media reports, over 130
people were injured in the explosion activated by a fire.
In a release, the Indian Mission in Khartoum said 16 Indians were missing after the incident that occurred at Seela Ceramic Factory in Bahri area in Khartoum on Tuesday.
It added that some of the missing may be in the list of dead
as identification was not possible because of the bodies being burnt. The
Mission yesterday issued a detailed list of Indian nationals who were
hospitalised, those missing or survived the tragedy.
Seven people have been hospitalised, with four in a critical condition. Thirty-four Indians who survived have been accommodated at the Saloomi Ceramics Factory residence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was anguished by the blast. In a tweet, Mr Modi said his thoughts are with the bereaved families and prayers with the injured. He said the Indian embassy is providing all possible assistance to those affected.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said a round-the-clock emergency hotline has been set up by the Indian Embassy in Khartoum.