RAHIM YAR KHAN: A middle-aged man suffered severe burn injuries after a flame from a cigarette accidentally fell onto his clothes while he was smoking in the Liaquat Pur area of Rahim Yar Khan district, officials said on Monday.
According to Rescue 1122, the incident occurred in Basti Bhatti, a locality within Liaquat Pur, where a 45-year-old man identified as Iqbal was smoking when a sudden flame ignited his clothing. The fire spread rapidly, leaving him badly burned before people nearby could control the situation and seek emergency help.
Rescue officials said that they received an emergency call shortly after the incident and immediately dispatched a medical team to the scene. Upon arrival, rescuers found the victim in critical condition, suffering from extensive burn injuries. First aid was provided on the spot to stabilize him before shifting him to a nearby medical facility.
“The injured man sustained severe burns as his clothes caught fire due to the cigarette flame,” a Rescue 1122 spokesperson said. “His condition was serious, so he was first taken to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Liaquat Pur for initial treatment.”
Due to the severity of his injuries, doctors at the tehsil hospital referred Iqbal to Sheikh Zayed Hospital in Rahim Yar Khan for specialized care. Rescue officials confirmed that the injured man was transported under medical supervision to ensure his condition did not deteriorate further during the transfer.
Medical sources stated that approximately 30 percent of the victim’s body was affected by burns. Doctors described his condition as critical but stable and said he was receiving intensive medical treatment. Hospital authorities have not yet issued an official update regarding his recovery, but they said all necessary measures were being taken.
Eyewitnesses from the area said the incident happened suddenly and caused panic among nearby residents. “He was just smoking when suddenly his clothes caught fire,” said a local resident. “People rushed to help and tried to put out the flames, but he had already been badly burned.”
The incident has once again highlighted the risks associated with smoking, particularly in environments where loose clothing or flammable materials can easily catch fire. Rescue and health officials stressed that such accidents, though often overlooked, can have life-threatening consequences.
Health experts say that burn injuries caused by fire can lead to serious complications, including infections and long-term physical damage, especially when a significant portion of the body is affected. They emphasized the importance of immediate medical attention in such cases, as timely treatment can be critical in saving lives.
Rescue 1122 officials urged citizens to exercise caution while smoking and to avoid smoking in unsafe conditions. “Carelessness during smoking can result in serious accidents,” the spokesperson said. “People should be aware that even a small flame can cause major harm.”
Local authorities have not indicated any legal action, as the incident appears to be accidental. However, officials said awareness campaigns about fire safety and personal precautions are essential to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In recent years, several cases of burn injuries caused by domestic accidents, electrical faults, and smoking-related incidents have been reported across Punjab. Emergency services say that many such incidents are preventable if basic safety measures are followed.
Residents of Basti Bhatti expressed concern over the incident and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured man. Community members also called for greater awareness regarding fire safety, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where access to immediate medical care can be limited.
As the victim continues to receive treatment at Sheikh Zayed Hospital, doctors and rescue officials have reiterated the need for caution and responsibility in daily habits. The incident serves as a reminder that even routine activities like smoking can turn dangerous if proper care is not taken.
Authorities have advised citizens to immediately seek emergency help in case of burn injuries and not rely on home remedies, which can worsen the condition. Rescue 1122 helpline remains available round the clock to respond to emergencies across the district.
