Tragedy in Multan: Four schoolchildren, driver killed as tanker crushes van

Rescue officials say the van had to be cut to pull out casualties.

MULTAN: At least four schoolchildren and a driver were killed and 10 children were critically injured when a speeding oil tanker crushed a school van in Multan on Monday, rescue officials said.

Police said the unfortunate accident took place at Jhanday Wala Stop, Vehari when the oil tanker hit the school van due to over-speeding. The injured and deceased were immediately shifted to Nishtar Hospital. A total of 12 children were on their way home in the school van.

The van was completely destroyed due to impact of the collision.

Rescue 1122 official Abdul Jabbar said the van had to be cut to pull out casualties. He said the oil tanker driver immediately fled the scene after the accident and that details of the oil tanker have been sent to the excise department to ascertain the owner’s identity.

The dead were identified as Shahzaib Islam, 13, Waqar, 5, Izza Rahman , 15, Arsalan 26. The injured included Noor Fatima, 5, Memoona, 6, Zohaib, 3, Fiza, 5, Zain, 5, Aiman, 8, Eman, 5, Ali Murtaza, 9, Touseef, 6 and Alisha 14.



Meanwhile, Multan District Coordination Officer Nadir Chatha said strict action would be taken against the driver of the oil tanker. He extended condolences to the parents of the victims. He added investigation of the matter was underway and efforts were being made to arrest the driver.

Earlier In February 2017, six schoolchildren and a driver were killed when a van and a truck collided in Fatehpur area of Layyah. Nine other children were injured in the accident. The van was carrying at least 15 children en route to a private school.

Similarly in Lodhran, a motorcycle-rickshaw collided with a train killing eight, including six schoolchildren and the driver. According to reports, 15 children were on their way to school when the crash took place.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 16^th, 2017.