Driver negligence suspected in Murree Expressway van fire that killed 10

ISLAMABAD: Motorway Police say their initial investigation into the Murree Expressway van crash and fire that killed 10 people, including five children, points to suspected negligence and careless driving by the driver. Sixteen other people were injured in the incident.

According to the police, a case has been registered against the driver for causing loss of life and property through reckless driving. The vehicle involved was identified as van number CAJ5407.

Motorway Police Inspector Tahiruddin said he was on duty when he received information about the accident at Khajot. He said he alerted the fire brigade and Rescue 1122 while heading to the site. When he arrived, the van was already engulfed in flames, and he began trying to put out the fire with the equipment available while also attempting to help passengers get out. The injured were later shifted to hospital.

Police said their review found that the unidentified driver had been driving carelessly, causing the van to fall into a drain before it caught fire. They added that the rescue effort was hampered because the van’s doors had jammed against the wall of the drain, preventing passengers from escaping in time. Ten passengers, including five children, were burnt to death, police said.