GRAPHIC: 140 killed as overturned oil tanker explodes in Pakistan

An overturned oil tanker burst into flames in Pakistan on Sunday, killing more than 140 people who had rushed to the scene of the highway accident to gather leaking fuel, an Al Arabiya correspondent reported.

The tanker flipped over on the national highway about 100 kilometers (60 miles) southwest of Multan. The tanker was driving from the southern port city of Karachi to Lahore, the Punjab provincial capital, when the driver lost control and crashed.

Nearby villagers ran toward the overturned tanker with jerry cans to take the leaking fuel, said Naseer.

Police tried to cordon off the area but were overwhelmed by the scores of villagers who pushed through to reach the truck.

The following images provided by Al Arabiya's correspondent in Pakistan shows the moments immediately after the blast:

Eyewitnesses said about 30 motorcycles that had carried villagers to the accident site lay in charred ruins nearby. Eight other vehicles were destroyed, they said.

Many of the bodies were burned beyond recognition, said Naseer.

GRAPHIC VIDEO: Viewer discretion advised