At least 12 people were killed and 13 others injured when a 22-wheeler truck lost control and rammed into several vehicles at Ambiri Kala Chowk on the Indus Highway in Karak, local authorities said on Saturday.
Deputy Commissioner Karak confirmed that the accident was due to brake failure, Express News reported.
“Emergency services continue to remove bodies and survivors from the rubble, including a passenger bus crushed under the truck,” he said, adding that hospitals in the region were on red alert.
Police fear the death toll could rise as rescue teams work to recover victims. A passenger car remains trapped under the truck, delaying efforts to assess the extent of the tragedy.
The driver of the truck, identified as Samiullah from Lakki Marwat district, was injured and is under arrest at a local hospital.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi took notice of the incident and asked health authorities to provide urgent medical assistance to the injured. Kundi also asked Pakistan Red Crescent teams to intensify rescue operations at the accident site.
In a statement, the governor urged local people to participate in relief efforts and donate blood to meet the growing demand.
Traffic on the main highway has been restored, according to police, although the accident site remains partially cordoned off.
