Officials in southwest Pakistan say at least 18 people have been killed after gunmen opened fire on a passenger van at a fuel station, triggering a massive fire.

The vehicle was stopped in the Khuzdar district of Baluchistan province Friday, when gunmen on motorcycles shot and killed the driver and then fled. The gunfire sparked a blaze that engulfed the van and nearby shops.

Local administrator Abdul Mansoor Kakar told VOA Urdu Service at least five women and three children were among the 11 bodies that have so far been identified. He said the rest of the bodies were burned beyond recognition.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack. Baluchistan has been the scene of sectarian violence, militant attacks and unrest linked to a low-level insurgency.

Baluch rebels have been fighting for political autonomy and a greater share of the province's natural resources.