The incident occurred around 6:15 am local time at a gas depot belonging to a distribution company in the oil field in Rades, southeast of Tunis. Civil protection spokesman Moez Triaa attributed the explosion to a gas leak that ignited gas cylinders on the premises.

All the victims, who suffered first and second-degree burns, were rushed to hospitals for treatment, with four of them requiring intensive care.

Following the explosion, the energy ministry confirmed that the fire at the gas depot, owned by the Agil energy company, had been brought under control.

An investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, as authorities work to assess the extent of the damage caused. (ILKHA)