At least 13 dead in tanker collision with bus in Kathore

At least 13 people, including four children, were killed when a passenger van collided with an oil tanker on the M-9 highway near Karachi, police said.

Malir Senior Superintendent of Police Syed Abdul Khaliq Pirzada confirmed the death toll at The Express PK Press Club.

A Sindh Police statement said the force was fully engaged in extensive rescue and security measures.

“Police are cooperating in rescue activities while maintaining their presence on site, securing the area and keeping the traffic situation under control. Coordination and monitoring with relevant agencies is ongoing.”

Sindh Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho immediately took notice of the accident while directing authorities to visit the incident site to secure it and surrounding areas.

He also gave instructions to ensure safety and precautionary measures in cooperation with other departments, considering possible oil spill concerns, with additional orders to keep the road clear for quick access to ambulances and rescue personnel.

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

A statement from Sindh Interior Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar said he had given instructions to immediately provide best medical facilities to the injured, adding that 1122 rescue teams were present at the accident site and rescue operations were underway.

“The injured have been transported to hospitals. A strong police presence from the region is present at the accident site, the situation is under control. After the accident, the road has been cleared and traffic has been restored,” he said, giving instructions to the authorities to speed up rescue activities.

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

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also offered condolences and regretted the loss of lives.

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