Tragic Accident Claims 18 Lives as Bus and Tanker Collide Near Pindi Bhattian
Bus rams into mini tanker carrying petrol drums, catches fire; bodies, 14 injured shifted to hospital
LAHORE MIRROR — A tragic incident occurred near Pindi Bhattian on the Faisalabad Motorway M4, resulting in the loss of at least 18 lives and around 14 people sustaining injuries.
According to the details garnered, the incident occurred due to a collision between a passenger bus and a mini oil tanker. The collision led to a fire that engulfed the bus, causing the fatalities.
The National Highway and Motorway Police spokesperson provided details, stating that the bus was en route from Karachi to Islamabad. Fortunately, 15 passengers were able to evacuate in time. The victims were taken to DHQ Hospital, where medical professionals noted the critical condition of many injured individuals.
Survivors of the accident recounted that the high death toll was due to a malfunctioning emergency exit door on the bus, which was carrying approximately 45 passengers. Tragically, among the deceased were four members of a single family, including a man, his wife, and their son and daughter, who were traveling to their hometown of Sukhekhi from Karachi. Additionally, two girls sustained severe injuries.
An eyewitness shared that only a few individuals managed to escape the bus by breaking the glass windows. In their estimation, the accident claimed the lives of around 28 to 30 passengers. The bus’s ignition catching fire was attributed to a short circuit.
Hafizabad Deputy Commissioner Farooq Warraich revealed that the mini oil tanker involved was transporting petrol drums. District Police Officer Dr. Fahad added that the identification of the deceased would require DNA sampling due to the extent of burns on the bodies. Dr. Fahad also disclosed that the bus had dragged the tanker for approximately 500 meters before coming to a stop. So far, 18 bodies have been recovered, and 15 injured individuals have been transferred to the hospital.
Former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his condolences and sympathy for the affected families, urging a thorough investigation into the incident to prevent such tragedies in the future. He also offered prayers for the departed souls.
Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi also conveyed his sorrow at the loss of lives and instructed the administration and police to furnish a detailed report on the accident. He stressed the importance of providing the injured with the best possible medical care.
