Thirteen people were killed in a collision between an oil tanker and a passenger bus on the M9 motorway in Gadap, according to officials.
A statement by Malir police said that the accident took place within the limits of the Gadap city police station. According to the statement, the passenger bus was travelling in the wrong direction, which led to the collision.
Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed confirmed the number of casualties. She said that nine bodies were brought to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and two others to Civil Hospital, Karachi.
A separate statement by Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Javed Alam Odho directed police to reach the scene immediately and oversee response efforts. IGP Odho directed that the accident site and surrounding areas be secured without delay.
“In view of the oil spillage and potential risks, instructions were issued to ensure all necessary safety and precautionary measures in coordination with relevant departments,” he said in the statement.
The Sindh police chief also directed authorities to keep the route clear for timely access of ambulances and rescue personnel, and to divert traffic to alternate routes to prevent congestion.
Sindh CM orders inquiry
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed regret over the lives lost in the incident and ordered an inquiry to ascertain the cause of the accident.
In a statement, he vowed that action would be taken against those responsible. He also directed the strict implementation of traffic laws for the protection of citizens.
In a statement, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar expressed deep sorrow and grief over the accident. Lanjar directed authorities to ensure immediate and the best possible medical treatment for the injured.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow and grief over the accident, according to a statement by the President’s Secretariat.
“The president prayed for the forgiveness of those who lost their lives in the incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” it said.
It further added that President Zardari also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and directed the Sindh government to ensure the provision of immediate and best possible medical treatment to those wounded in the accident.