At least three people were killed and dozens injured in road accidents in different parts of Karachi on Friday, with women and children among those injured.
In a major accident near the toll plaza on Malir Link Road, a passenger coach collided with a trailer, killing two people and injuring around 36 others. According to police, the coach was travelling from Landhi Manzil Pump towards Kashmore when the trailer attempted to avoid a speed breaker from the side. As the trailer turned, the passenger coach approaching from behind reportedly tried to overtake it and collided with the trailer.
The front portion of the coach was badly damaged. Rescue 1122 personnel used cutters to extricate the dead and injured from the wreckage. The victims were initially taken to a nearby hospital and later moved to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre. One of the deceased was identified as coach driver Punhal Khan. Rescue 1122 said around 36 passengers sustained minor injuries and were provided medical treatment.
Meanwhile, an accident occurred near N-3 Pump on the Northern Bypass, involving a Pakistan Customs double-cabin vehicle. An initial report suggested one person died and four Customs personnel were injured after the vehicle overturned while allegedly chasing a suspected smuggler’s vehicle.
However, police and Customs officials later clarified that no death had occurred in the incident. According to SHO Surjani Nasir Mahmood and Customs officials, the vehicle overturned while attempting to overtake another vehicle and avoid a motorcycle. A tyre reportedly burst, causing the vehicle to overturn. The driver and four Customs personnel sustained injuries and were receiving medical treatment.
In another accident near Gate No. 5 of the New Truck Adda on Mauripur Road, an 18-year-old motorcyclist, Salman, was killed after being hit by a Mazda truck. The truck driver fled the scene.
Two people were also injured when a Suzuki, a Qingqi rickshaw and a dumper collided near the Fruit Gate of New Sabzi Mandi on the Super Highway. The injured were identified as 32-year-old Zahid and 65-year-old Wazir and were shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital. Separately, two 18-year-old motorcyclists -- Ali and Kashan -- were seriously injured after an unidentified vehicle hit their motorcycle near the ICI Hotel on Mauripur Road. They were rushed to Civil Hospital for treatment.
