Coaster owner, bus terminal manager held in Kahuta accident

In a significant development in the Kahuta coaster accident case, the vehicle's owner and the bus terminal manager have been arrested. A court has granted the police a three-day remand for both suspects, who are now under interrogation.

The tragic incident occurred on the Azad Patan Road near the Garari Bridge, where a passenger coaster plunged into a deep ravine, resulting in the deaths of 26 people, including the driver, Arfaq, and the conductor, Jawad Israr.

The police investigation revealed that the coaster, owned by Muhammad Safeer and managed by Abdul Quddus of New Super Kashmir Adda Pirwadhai, was operating on a long, hilly route without a proper route permit or fitness certificate. The vehicle met with a fatal accident while travelling on the highways of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

A case has been registered against the owner, the base manager, and others for negligence, driving at high speed, and aiding in the crime, leading to the loss of life and property. The arrested individuals were presented in court, where the police obtained a three-day remand to continue their investigation.

CPO Rawalpindi, Khalid Hamdani, condemned the criminal negligence that led to the loss of 26 lives, stating that those responsible for endangering citizens for profit deserve severe punishment. He assured that all legal measures will be taken to ensure the accused are held accountable, with instructions given to the SSP Investigation, SP Saddar, and the Legal Branch for effective case follow-up.

The court is expected to impose strict penalties on those responsible for this tragic incident.