A devastating road accident near Kathore on Karachi’s Gadap Link Road has claimed the lives of at least 13 people, including women and children, after an oil tanker, a passenger coach and several other vehicles collided in a horrific crash. Authorities confirmed that the incident has left multiple others injured, some in critical condition, prompting an immediate emergency response and high-level police intervention.
Tragedy Unfolds on Gadap Link Road
According to police officials, the fatal accident occurred on the busy Gadap Link Road near Kathore, an area frequently used by heavy transport vehicles traveling between Karachi and the interior of Sindh. Initial investigations suggest that a passenger coach was traveling in the wrong direction when it collided head-on with a truck. The impact triggered a chain reaction involving an oil tanker and several other vehicles.
The force of the collision was so severe that parts of the coach were badly mangled. Several passengers were reportedly thrown off the vehicle, with some falling from a nearby bridge due to the intensity of the crash. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with shattered glass, twisted metal, and injured passengers scattered across the roadway.
Police confirmed that 13 people lost their lives in the accident, including three women and children. The death toll may rise as several injured victims remain in critical condition.
Rescue Operations and Emergency Response
Rescue officials reached the site shortly after the incident was reported and began immediate evacuation efforts. Emergency responders worked for hours to retrieve victims trapped inside the wreckage and to transport the injured to nearby hospitals.
According to rescue authorities, multiple people sustained serious injuries and were shifted to medical facilities in Karachi for urgent treatment. Ambulances were seen rushing back and forth from the accident site as rescue teams coordinated with hospital staff to manage the influx of patients.
The accident also caused significant traffic congestion in the surrounding areas, as authorities temporarily halted movement on parts of the Gadap Link Road to facilitate rescue operations and clear the wreckage.
Police Investigation Underway
Law enforcement agencies have launched a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. Police sources stated that preliminary findings indicate that the passenger coach may have been traveling against traffic flow, a factor believed to have contributed significantly to the tragedy.
However, officials emphasized that a comprehensive inquiry will determine the exact cause of the accident. Investigators are examining vehicle conditions, driver conduct, and possible negligence. Statements from surviving passengers and eyewitnesses are also being recorded.
Senior officers visited the site to oversee operations and ensure that necessary procedures were followed. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether arrests will be made pending the outcome of the investigation.
IG Sindh Orders Immediate Action
In response to the deadly incident, Inspector General of Sindh Police, Javed Alam Odho, directed law enforcement personnel to reach the accident site without delay and supervise the situation personally. He also instructed officers to secure the area to prevent further hazards and to ensure that emergency teams could carry out their duties without obstruction.
The IG emphasized the importance of maintaining safety standards on major highways and called for strict enforcement of traffic regulations, particularly concerning heavy transport vehicles and passenger buses.
Growing Concerns Over Road Safety
The tragedy has once again highlighted persistent concerns about road safety standards in Sindh, particularly on routes frequently used by commercial transport vehicles. Gadap Link Road has witnessed multiple accidents in recent years, raising questions about enforcement of traffic laws, vehicle fitness, and driver training.
Road safety experts argue that wrong-way driving remains one of the leading causes of fatal accidents in Pakistan. Overloaded vehicles, mechanical failures, and lack of proper signage further exacerbate the risks.
Public reaction on social media has been swift, with many users expressing grief and anger over what they describe as preventable loss of life. Calls for stricter monitoring of passenger transport services and tougher penalties for traffic violations have intensified following the incident.
Families Left in Mourning
For the families of the victims, the tragedy has brought unimaginable grief. Several of the deceased were reportedly traveling with relatives when the crash occurred. Hospital corridors were filled with anxious family members awaiting news of their loved ones.
Authorities have begun the process of identifying the deceased and facilitating the handover of bodies to families after legal formalities are completed.
A Call for Accountability and Reform
As investigations continue, the focus is likely to remain on accountability and preventive measures. The Sindh government and law enforcement agencies are under renewed pressure to strengthen traffic surveillance systems, conduct regular vehicle inspections, and enforce strict penalties against reckless driving.
The deadly crash near Kathore serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety measures across Pakistan. Without systemic reforms and consistent enforcement, such tragedies risk becoming recurring headlines rather than isolated incidents
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