KARACHI: Thirteen people were killed and nine others injured in a tragic road accident on the M9 Motorway near Karachi on Friday. The fatal collision occurred at Ansari Bridge near DHA City involving an oil tanker, a passenger bus, a passenger van, and a goods trailer.
Following the crash, a massive oil spill covered the M9 Motorway, creating a high risk of fire. This forced rescue workers to avoid electrical tools, as they manually cut through the wreckage to retrieve bodies and help the injured. Initial reports from Malir police suggest the accident happened because the Sanghar bound passenger bus was travelling in the wrong direction. However, motorway police officials stated the oil tanker overturned after a tyre burst, causing a multi vehicle pile up.
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan took immediate notice of the Karachi M9 accident and ordered the Motorway Inspector General to submit a detailed report. The minister emphasized that vehicles with substandard or expired tyres must not be allowed on the motorway. He stressed that strict inspection of tyre quality is mandatory for all transport vehicles to prevent such loss of life.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also expressed deep sorrow over the deaths and ordered a high level inquiry. He directed the administration to ensure the best medical treatment for the injured at hospitals in Karachi. Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar and President Asif Ali Zardari also shared their grief, with the President directing the provincial government to prioritize the recovery of those wounded in the crash.
The M9 Motorway, which connects Karachi and Hyderabad, saw traffic diversions for several hours as teams worked to remove combustible material and clear the wreckage. Authorities have vowed to take strict action against those found responsible for the negligence that led to this devastating traffic incident on the superhighway.
