Dumper crushes five to death
A speeding dumper reportedly with failed brakes ploughed into rickshaws and motorcycles near a bus stop on GT Road in Lahore on Wednesday morning, leaving dead at least people, including two schoolgirls.
Four other people were critically injured in the accident that took place near the Akhri Mint Stop.
Rescue 1122 officials said the driver lost control over the heavy vehicle that rammed into three rickshaws and two motorcycles, crushing the vehicles and their passengers. According to witnesses, the victims were trapped under the massive dumper.
Emergency response teams rushed to the site and managed to rescue the injured and retrieve the bodies from beneath the wreckage.
The deceased were identified as 12-year-old Aima, 10-year-old Hafiza, 45-year-old Rafaqat, 41-year-old Dawood Ahmed and a 24-year-old unidentified man.
The injured - 26-year-old Ali, 10-year-old Affan and Bilal, and 18-year-old Komal - were admitted to the Services and Shalimar Hospitals.
Videos from the scene showed extensive damage and panic among bystanders as rescue workers used machinery to lift the dumper.
Initial reports from eyewitnesses and rescue personnel indicated that the dumper's brakes had failed, causing it to veer uncontrollably into the smaller vehicles waiting at the stop.
The incident sparked renewed concerns about the movement of heavy vehicles through congested city routes, especially during peak traffic hours.
The authorities said they had initiated an investigation into the accident, with officials trying to determine whether mechanical failure or negligence had led to the crash. Rescue officials urged the citizens and city authorities to cooperate in making roads safer and holding those responsible for negligence accountable.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Emergency Services Department revealed that 1,290 road traffic crashes were reported across the province in the past 24 hours, resulting in 11 deaths and leaving 1,502 others injured.
Of these, 240 accidents occurred in Lahore, highlighting the provincial capital's growing traffic safety challenges. Most of the accidents involved motorcycles, indicating a need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and public awareness on road safety. On the other hand, Lahore traffic police have implemented stricter measures to curb violations of rules, shifting from monetary fines to registering cases against offenders.
Chief Traffic Officer Dr Athar Waheed issued directives to take legal action against five major traffic offences that have been causing safety concerns across the city.
Under the new enforcement policy, drivers violating one-way traffic rules will face immediate FIRs rather than fines. The CTO also ordered strict action against owners operating unregistered motorcycle rickshaws, eliminating the previous practice of imposing minor penalties. The authorities will now register criminal cases against such violators.
Focus has been placed on modified motorcycle vehicles used for transporting goods, which pose significant safety risks. The traffic police have been instructed to take immediate action against the illegally modified vehicles.
Overloaded vehicles, another major traffic hazard, will also lead to FIRs against the drivers and owners. The CTO emphasised a zero-tolerance approach toward road encroachments that disrupt traffic flow. Operations will continue against illegal roadside encroachment and those responsible will face legal consequences through case registration.