Thirteen dead as van crash sparks fire in Pakistan

At least 13 people including three children were killed on Saturday and another 15 injured when a road collision led to a gas cylinder explosion in central Pakistan, police said.

A van carrying 32 passengers collided with a truck on Multan road in Vehari district of central Punjab province, causing the compressed natural gas cylinder to explode and resulting in a huge blaze.

"At least 13 passengers have been burned alive and 15 were injured. Three children are among the dead," Ali Nasir Rizvi, police chief for Vehari district, told AFP.

Most of the bodies were damaged beyond recognition by the explosion and fire, Rizvi said.

"The condition of ten of the injured is serious," he said, adding that five women and a child were also hurt.

An investigation has been launched, he added.

Pakistan has one of the world's worst records for fatal traffic accidents, blamed on poor roads, badly maintained vehicles and reckless driving.