KARACHI: An oil tanker lost control and crashed into multiple vehicles near the Defence Mor traffic signal in Karachi, injuring six people, including women and a child. The crash occurred on Thursday in the jurisdiction of the Defence Police Station, with initial reports indicating that brake failure caused the tanker to collide with stationary vehicles waiting at the signal.
The injured individuals, identified as 60-year-old Muhammad Sabir, 40-year-old Moeenuddin, 40-year-old Chandni, 40-year-old Saima, and others yet to be identified, were rushed to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre. The crash involved at least seven vehicles, including a rickshaw, a loading Suzuki, and a white car, all of which were badly damaged, along with several motorcycles. The collision brought traffic to a halt, causing severe congestion and long queues.
Rescue teams, Rangers personnel, and traffic police swiftly arrived at the scene, working to clear the wreckage and restore traffic flow. SHO Asjad Ghani confirmed that brake failure was the cause of the crash and stated that the tanker driver had been detained and handed over to the police.
Sindh Government’s Crackdown on Unsafe Vehicles
The crash comes just a day after the Sindh government announced amendments to the Motor Vehicle Rules, aimed at improving road safety. The new regulations target unsafe and aging trucks, which have been linked to a high number of accidents in Karachi. Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon emphasized that all heavy commercial vehicles would be required to obtain fitness certificates and undergo mandatory roadworthiness tests.
The reforms also impose hefty fines on violators, including Rs 200,000 for a second offence and up to Rs 300,000 for a third. The new rules also mandate that all heavy vehicles be equipped with GPS tracking devices, high-definition cameras, and safety features like under-run protection guards to prevent accidents.
Memon highlighted that the crackdown was necessary due to the increasing number of accidents involving old, poorly maintained vehicles, which have claimed many lives, including 165 fatalities this year alone.
