Seven killed in van-truck collision

Driver flees the scene leaving his truck behind

HYDRABAD:

A passenger van collided with a truck on National Highway in Thatta district killing six fishermen and van driver while causing injuries to six others on Saturday.

The mini pickup van vehicle rammed into the the truck and destroyed completely.

According to police, three passengers of the van died on the spot, two during the treatment at the Civil Hospital, whereas the other two succumbed to their injures while being transported to Karachi.

The deceased victims were identified as Maqbool Mallah, Mola Bux Mallah, Ali Sher Mallah, Ali Muhammad Mallah, Rasool Bux Mallah, Haroon Bengali and driver Mubarak Shoro. Ali Sher and Rasool were brothers.

The police said that the accident happened on the highway's small stretch between Keenjhar Lake and Chilya.

The driver of the truck escaped leaving his vehicle behind which was impounded later by the police.

Reportedly, the FIR of the incident has not been lodged so far.

The deceased were fishermen by profession at a fish pond in Thatta.

Reportedly, a week ago, seven lives were lost while nine were injured in a similar accident on the same highway road near Jhirk, Thatta. 

Due to the poor traffic management and road condition, the highway witnesses such fatal accidents.

The local people complain that despite frequent occurrences of the accidents neither the road condition has been improved nor the traffic rules are being regulated. The highway between Hyderabad and Thatta also lacks emergency healthcare facilities.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 3^rd, 2023.