KARACHI: At least 13 people lost their lives, and several others were injured when an oil tanker collided with a bus, triggering multi-vehicle collision near Kathore on the M9 Motorway, police said on Friday.
According to officials, the coach was travelling on the wrong side of the road at the time of the collision.
Rescue officials said that the deceased include women and children. Several passengers fell from a bridge due to the impact of the crash.
Rescue officials said multiple people sustained injuries and were being shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
Meanwhile, Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Javed Alam Odho directed police to immediately reach the accident site and ordered that the area and its surroundings be secured to facilitate rescue and investigation efforts.
President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed grief over the deadly traffic accident on the M9 Motorway that claimed at least 13 lives.
In a statement issued on Friday, the president offered prayers for the departed souls and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident.
The president directed the Sindh government to ensure the provision of immediate and best possible medical treatment to the injured.
Fatal road accidents are common in Pakistan, where traffic rules are rarely followed and roads in many rural areas are in poor condition.
Earlier this month, three people, including a woman and her minor daughter, died in an accident between passenger van and truck on M9 Motorway near Lunikot in Jamshoro district.
The 136-km M9 Motorway, which connects Karachi and Hyderabad, is in a state of deterioration. Bumps, cracks and uneven patches have raised serious concerns among commuters.
