RAWALPINDI: At least 10 people, including children, lost their lives and 13 others were injured after a passenger van carrying members of the same family plunged into a ravine and caught fire on the Rawalpindi–Murree Expressway near Khajut on Wednesday, according to motorway police officials.
The tragic accident occurred as the family was travelling from Multan to the popular hill station of Murree for a vacation.
Van Falls Into Ravine and Bursts Into Flames
According to Motorway Police spokesperson Saqib Waheed, the Hiace van lost control while negotiating a sharp bend on the expressway.
The vehicle veered off the road, plunged into a drainage channel beside the highway, and immediately caught fire upon impact.
The van reportedly came to rest on its side, trapping many passengers inside and making escape extremely difficult.
“The vehicle caught fire instantly after the crash, severely hampering rescue efforts and leaving passengers trapped,” the spokesperson said.
Rescue Teams Rush to Scene
Emergency response teams, including Motorway Police personnel, Rescue 1122 officials, and members of the Murree administration, rushed to the accident site shortly after receiving reports of the crash.
Rescuers battled the flames and worked to evacuate survivors from the wreckage.
The bodies of those killed and the injured passengers were transported to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad for treatment, identification, and legal formalities.
Officials confirmed that several of the victims were children, making the tragedy even more heartbreaking.
Investigation Launched
Authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Police officials said preliminary findings suggest the driver may have lost control while negotiating a dangerous curve on the expressway, though all possible factors are being examined.
A heavy contingent of police and local administration officials remained at the scene as rescue and recovery operations continued.
Investigators are also examining the condition of the vehicle and road circumstances at the time of the incident.
CM Maryam Nawaz Orders Inquiry
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the affected families.
In an official statement, she directed authorities to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the tragedy and submit a detailed report.
The chief minister instructed rescue and administrative agencies to provide all possible assistance to the bereaved families and ensure proper medical treatment for those injured.
She further ordered officials to identify the factors that contributed to the accident and recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Growing Concerns Over Road Safety
The accident has once again highlighted concerns regarding road safety on mountainous routes leading to tourist destinations such as Murree.
Road safety experts have repeatedly stressed the importance of vehicle inspections, speed control measures, and enhanced driver awareness on steep and winding roads.
Every year, thousands of tourists travel to Murree and surrounding hill stations, increasing traffic volumes on routes that can become hazardous, particularly during peak travel seasons.
Nation Mourns Victims
The tragic loss of entire family members, including children, has sparked an outpouring of grief on social media and among local communities.
Officials have pledged a thorough investigation to establish accountability and determine whether mechanical failure, driver error, road conditions, or other factors played a role in the deadly crash.
As families mourn their loved ones, authorities continue efforts to identify all victims and provide support to survivors recovering from their injuries.
