Motorway Police Completes Initial Investigation into Murree Expressway Tragedy
RAWALPINDI: The Motorway Police announced on Tuesday that it has concluded its initial investigation into the devastating accident and fire on the Murree Expressway, which claimed ten lives, including five children, and left 16 others injured. The police have officially registered a case against the van driver, citing negligence and reckless driving as the primary causes of the incident.
Driver Charged with Negligence
According to the police statement, the driver of the van was found to be driving carelessly, leading to the vehicle veering off the road and plunging into a drain. The subsequent fire engulfed the van, trapping passengers inside. The driver has been charged with causing loss of life and property through reckless driving.
Details of the Incident
Motorway Police Inspector Tahiruddin, who was on duty at the time, provided a detailed account of the events. He stated that he received a report of a van accident at Khajot and immediately alerted the fire brigade and Rescue 1122 while en route to the scene. Upon arrival, he found van number CAJ5407 engulfed in flames. Inspector Tahiruddin and other responders worked swiftly to extinguish the fire using available equipment and attempted to rescue passengers from the burning vehicle.
Challenges During Rescue
The rescue operation was hampered by the fact that the van's doors had become jammed against the wall of the drain, preventing passengers from escaping in time. As a result, ten individuals, including five children, succumbed to the fire. The injured were promptly transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
The Motorway Police have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and further legal proceedings will be pursued against the driver.
