At least 10 people, including a child and a woman, died when a passenger van caught fire after its cylinder exploded in Gujranwala district of Punjab Sunday night, 24NewsHD TV channel reported.

Seven people sustained injuries in the tragedy that took place on GT Road in Gujranwala.

Eyewitness said the cylinder of van that was coming from Bajaur district of KP exploded when a milk container rammed into it from backside.  

The drivers of the van and the container fled from the scene, they added. Police and rescuers rushed to the site. 

Rescue team put off the fire and retrieved the bodies while injured were shifted to a local hospital. Three of the injured were stated to be in a crucial condition. 

The deceased woman was named as Iram Shehzadi while the child's body could not be identified. 

Gurjanwala DC Sohail Ahmad said critically injured persons were referred to Lahore. He vowed to bring to book the persons responsible for the colossal crash. 

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar took notice of the incident and sought a report from authorities concerned.

He felt strong concerns for the families of victims and prayed to the Almighty to rest the departed souls in eternal peace.  He also issued directives for providing the injured with all-out facilities. 

Reporter: Zahid Iqbal Rana