Passenger van falls into drain, catches fire; CM Maryam offers condolences
At least 10 people were killed. 13 others injured on Wednesday when a passenger van carrying members of the same family plunged into a stormwater drain and caught fire on the RawalpindiMurree Expressway near Khajut, Motorway Police spokesperson Saqib Waheed said.
According to Waheed, the Hiace van was travelling from the southern city of Multan to the popular hill station of Murree when it lost control while negotiating a bend, fell into a drainage channel beside the roadway. immediately burst into flames, trapping passengers inside.
He added that the van came to rest on its side, preventing the doors from being opened. severely hindering escape efforts and rescue operations.
Waheed said emergency responders, including motorway police personnel, rescue teams. officials from the Murree administration, rushed to the scene shortly after the accident was reported.
"The bodies of those killed. the injured survivors were transported to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad for medical treatment, identification and further procedures," he said.
The spokesperson said a heavy contingent of officers remained at the scene alongside local administration officials as rescue. recovery efforts continued, while an investigation had been launched to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep sorrow and ordered an inquiry into the accident.
In a statement, the chief minister offered condolences to the bereaved families. said the government had taken immediate notice of the incident, directing relevant authorities to submit a detailed report.
She instructed rescue. administrative agencies to provide all possible assistance to the affected families and to continue support for those injured in the crash.
Maryam also ordered officials to determine the causes of the accident. present a comprehensive report on the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
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