ISLAMABAD - At least 10 people were killed and 13 others injured when a passenger van caught fire near Khajut on the Islamabad-Murree Expressway on Wednesday, according to the National Highways & Motorway Police (NHMP).
Details of the Incident
The NHMP reported that a Hiace van met with an accident near Khajut on the Murree Expressway. As a result of the tragic incident, 10 individuals, including five children, lost their lives, and 13 people sustained injuries. The van fell into a ditch while negotiating a turn, causing it to immediately catch fire, a Motorway Police spokesperson said.
Cause of the Accident
According to the police, the van fell on a side where it was impossible to open the doors, leading to a significant loss of life. The preliminary police investigation indicates that the ill-fated passenger wagon, carrying 23 people, veered off the road while navigating a sharp turn and was engulfed in flames after colliding with a roadside wall.
Victims and Injuries
The people involved in the accident belonged to the same family, who were traveling from Multan to Murree. The van contained a large number of children, 10 in total, the Motorway Police spokesperson added. Some of the injured, who suffered burns and multiple injuries, were reported to be in critical condition.
Emergency Response
The bodies of the deceased and the injured were immediately shifted to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. A large contingent of Motorway Police and Murree administration personnel was present at the scene at the time of reporting. A list of victims issued by PIMS confirmed the death toll.
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