A high-speed oil tanker lost control and crashed into multiple vehicles near the Defence Mor traffic signal, injuring at least six people, including women and a child, and leaving a trail of destruction involving more than seven vehicles.
The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of Defence Police Station on Thursday. According to initial reports, the oil tanker suffered a brake failure, ramming into stationary vehicles waiting at the signal.
Those injured in the crash include 60-year-old Muhammad Sabir, 40-year-old Moeenuddin, 40-year-old Chandni, 40-year-old Saima, and others yet to be identified.
At least seven vehicles, including a rickshaw, a loading Suzuki, and a white car, were completely destroyed, while several motorcycles and other vehicles were badly damaged.
The crash brought traffic to a standstill at the busy intersection, causing long queues and congestion. Rescue teams, Rangers personnel, and traffic police rushed to the scene. The injured were moved to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre.
Traffic police later used lifters to remove the wreckage and restore vehicle flow. SHO Asjad Ghani confirmed that the crash was caused by brake failure, and added that the tanker driver has been detained and handed over to police.
Sindh cracks down on killer trucks
A day earlier, the Sindh government rolled out sweeping amendments to its Motor Vehicle Rules. The reforms target ageing, unsafe trucks and aim to make the province’s roads safer, more transparent, and better policed.
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon said at a press briefing on Wednesday that all heavy commercial vehicles will now be required to obtain fitness certificates from centres established by the transport department.
He added that, in case of violations, heavy fines would be imposed on vehicle owners, and all fines would be deposited online into the Sindh government’s account.
Memon noted that one major cause of traffic accidents across the province, including Karachi, was old and poorly maintained heavy vehicles. Under the new rules, no heavy vehicle will be allowed on the roads without a fitness certificate and safety equipment.
Heavy fines
According to the amended rules, violators will face heavy fines. Memon said the law would come into effect within one year, during which all vehicles must undergo a mandatory roadworthiness test.
Violations will be penalised in stages: a minor fine for the first offence, Rs200,000 for the second, and up to Rs300,000 for the third.
Age limits set for vehicles
The new amendments also set age limits for vehicles. Memon said vehicles over 20 years old would not be permitted on inter-provincial routes; vehicles over 25 years old would not be allowed on inter-city routes; and a maximum age limit of 35 years would apply to vehicles operating within cities.
GPS and HD cameras mandatory
The amended rules make GPS tracking devices and high-definition cameras, including 360-degree systems, compulsory in heavy commercial vehicles.
According to Memon, each vehicle must be equipped with GPS tracking devices, high-definition cameras at the front and rear, a driver monitoring camera, and a 360-degree camera system.
He said the Sindh government believed that installing modern tracking and camera systems would not only make traffic law enforcement easier but also help determine the causes of accidents and ensure transparent investigations.
No registration without under-run safety guards
Additionally, under-run protection guards must be fitted to prevent smaller vehicles or motorcycles from being crushed in case of an accident.
These safety devices must be fully functional, and without certification, no vehicle will be registered, issued a fitness certificate, granted a permit, or allowed ownership transfer.
Memon warned that if any vehicle was found without these systems, or if they were deliberately damaged, heavy fines would be imposed. The vehicle would be suspended, and if defects were not rectified within 14 days, registration would be permanently cancelled.
Heavy vehicles have become increasingly notorious, particularly in Karachi, where accidents involving them have surged. A total of 165 people have lost their lives in such accidents this year.
Last month, after a water tanker collided with a motorcycle, killing two people, an angry mob set seven heavy vehicles ablaze. The incident prompted the Dumper Truck Association to shut down Super Highway and block routes from Sohrab Goth to Thatta.
Association leader Liaquat Mehsud said the protest was a response to the mob’s torching of dumper trucks. He noted that while ten-wheeler tankers are permitted on roads during daylight hours, further investigation is underway to determine any negligence or violation.
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