At least 13 killed as tanker collides with bus in Kathore

According to police, at least 13 people, including four children, were killed when a passenger van collided with a tanker on the M-9 highway near Karachi.

Malir Senior Superintendent of Police Syed Abdul Khaliq Pirzada confirmed the death toll in The express PAkGazette.

A Sindh Police statement said the force was fully committed to extensive rescue and security measures.

“The police are cooperating in the rescue activities while maintaining their presence at the scene, securing the area and keeping the traffic situation under control. Coordination and follow-up with relevant agencies are ongoing.”

Sindh Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho immediately took notice of the accident and ordered 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 possible concerns over the oil spill, with further orders to keep the road clear for timely access of ambulances and rescue personnel.

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

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

“The injured have been transported to hospitals. At the accident site there is a strong police presence from the area, the situation is under control. After the accident, the road has been cleared and traffic flow has been restored,” he said, instructing authorities to speed up relief activities.

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

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also expressed his condolences and mourned the loss of lives.

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