KARACHI: At least 13 people lost their lives and several others were injured in a devastating collision involving an oil tanker, a passenger bus, and multiple vehicles near Kathore on the M9 Motorway, police confirmed on Friday.
Authorities said the coach was travelling on the wrong side of the road when it triggered the crash. The force of the impact caused severe damage, with some passengers reportedly falling from a bridge.
Rescue officials stated that women and children were among the deceased. Emergency teams transported the injured to nearby hospitals, where several victims are said to be receiving treatment.
Sindh Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho directed officers to reach the scene immediately and secure the area to ensure smooth rescue operations and facilitate an investigation into the incident.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, offering condolences to the families of those who died and prayers for the swift recovery of the injured. He instructed the Sindh government to provide immediate and the best possible medical care to those affected.
Deadly road accidents remain a frequent occurrence in Pakistan, where traffic regulations are often ignored and infrastructure in many areas is poorly maintained.
Earlier this month, three people, including a woman and her young daughter, were killed in a collision between a passenger van and a truck near Lunikot in Jamshoro district on the same motorway.
The 136-kilometre M9 Motorway linking Karachi and Hyderabad has drawn criticism from commuters due to deteriorating conditions, including cracks, bumps, and uneven surfaces that pose ongoing safety concerns.
