At least 13 killed as oil tanker collides with bus in Kathore

At least 13 people, including four children killed, were killed when a passenger van collided with an oil tanker at the M-9 Motorway near Karachi, according to the police.

Malir Senior Superintendent of Police Syed Abdul Khaliq Pirzada confirmed the death toll to The Express Tribune.

A statement from the Sindh Police said the force was fully engaged in extensive rescue and safety measures.

“The police are cooperating in rescue activities while maintaining their presence on site, securing the area, and keeping the traffic situation under control. Coordination and monitoring with relevant agencies are ongoing.”

Sindh Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho took immediate notice of the accident while ordering officials to reach the incident site to secure it and the surrounding areas.

He also gave instructions to ensure safety and precautionary measures in cooperation with other departments considering the possible concerns from the oil spillage with further orders to keep the road clear for timely access of ambulance and rescue personnel.

The police chief also gave instructions to divert traffic to alternative routes

A statement from Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar said he gave directivs to provide immediate and the best medical facilities to the injured, adding that Rescue 1122 teams were present at the accident site and relief operations were ongoing. 

“The injured have been transported to hospitals. Heavy police presence from the local area is at the accident site, the situation is under control. After the accident, the road has been cleared, and traffic flow has been restored,” he said, issuing directions to authorities to accelerate relief activities.

Expressing grief over the incident, President Asif Ali Zardari prayed for the swift recovery of the injured and directed the Sindh government to ensure the provision of immediate medical assistance to them.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also extended his condolences and regretted the loss of life.

He demanded that authorities take effective measures to prevent such incidents in the future.