MURREE: A tragic accident on the Murree Expressway claimed the lives of six tourists and left eight others injured after a passenger van crashed and caught fire, police said.
According to District Police Officer (DPO) Dr Muhammad Raza, the van reportedly veered out of control and struck a roadside safety barrier. The collision caused a fuel leak, which quickly ignited, engulfing the vehicle in flames.
Police officials said several passengers were unable to escape in time, leading to multiple fatalities at the scene. Those who survived suffered burn injuries and were shifted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for medical treatment.
Rescue teams responded promptly and continued efforts to evacuate victims and transport the injured to nearby hospitals.
DPO Dr Muhammad Raza stated that authorities have launched a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident. The inquiry will examine factors such as excessive speed and possible mechanical faults, including brake failure.
The devastating crash comes months after a separate vehicle fire in Karachi’s Shah Faisal area, where a school van caught fire while transporting children home. Local residents rushed to rescue the students, and several children were taken to hospital after suffering from smoke inhalation.
According to SSP Korangi, all of the children survived the incident, with their injuries largely attributed to panic and the rush to escape following the fire.
