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 tonnes of liquid gas.

The raging inferno spread to residential buildings close to a busy market in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Footage shows how the truck was engulfed in fire before a second giant explosion

People were seen fleeing from the explosion as cars turned around to get out of the way.

The explosion wave rocked the city and was felt hundreds of yards from the ignited truck, according to reports.

Footage shows how the truck was engulfed in fire before a second giant explosion and fireball was triggered. 

More than 600 firefighters along with 100 vehicles were involved in bringing the blaze under control.

Several firefighters were killed, Mongolia’s Emergency Management Agency said.

“Six  people were killed, 14 people – three children and 11 adults – were injured,” spokesman G. Ariunbuyan said.

“23 adults and 17 children were evacuated from the area and placed into a hotel, 30 cars were burned.

“Three of the people who were killed were servicemen of the 63rd unit of Bayazurkh district. Deepest condolences to the families of the officers.”

The official said 11 adults and three children needed medical treatment for burns.

The explosion resulted from a road traffic accident.

“Based on the preliminary assessment of the cause of the fire, it is concluded that the explosion happened when a truck loaded with liquefied natural gas did not notice the distance while moving on the roundabout and collided with a passenger car,” Ariunbuyan said.

Fiona Blyth, Britain’s ambassador to Mongolia, said: “On behalf of the British embassy I extend my condolences to the… officers who lost their lives during the tragic accident at Dunjingarav.

“Our thoughts are with the families of all those affected and we wish a fast recovery to those injured in this tragic event.”

US ambassador to Mongolia, Richard Buangan, was “deeply saddened by the terrible accident”.

“I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the NEMA employees who lost their lives in this shocking accident,” he said.