Dumper crashes into vehicles; one killed

Rickshaw driver killed, nine hurt; Rs100,000 fine imposed for missing tracker

KARACHI:

A speeding dumper caused a deadly crash in Shah Latif Town on the National Highway, killing a rickshaw driver and injuring the driver of a HiAce van along with several others, according to a road accident analysis report prepared by the traffic police.

The impact of the collision destroyed the rickshaw and severely damaged the HiAce van. Traffic police's Road Accident Analysis Team declared the dumper driver responsible, citing overspeeding, negligence and reckless driving. Authorities also imposed a Rs100,000 fine for failing to install a mandatory tracker in the dumper, issuing an e-challan to the vehicle's owner, Sher Zada.

Shah Latif Town police have registered a case under sections 322, 337-G, 279 and 109 of the Pakistan Penal Code against the dumper's driver, Mohammad Hassan, and the owner. The early-morning crash occurred when the inexperienced driver ploughed the dumper into a rickshaw, a HiAce van and a cabin shop, killing the rickshaw driver, Rahim Bakhsh, on the spot.

According to the traffic police spokesperson, mandatory installation of tracking devices on heavy commercial vehicles is part of the city's traffic-management and monitoring system. Despite repeated instructions, the dumper involved in the crash was not fitted with a tracker. "All commercial and heavy vehicle owners are instructed to strictly follow the regulations for public safety," the spokesperson said, adding that legal action will continue without discrimination. Karachi Traffic Police have already enforced a complete ban on dumper trucks and water tankers operating without trackers. Only vehicles equipped with functional trackers linked to the traffic police control system are allowed on the roads. Officials say the enforcement aims not only to strengthen compliance but also to ensure the safety and convenience of commuters.

The accident report states that HiAce driver Abdul Fattah was critically injured, while other injured persons include cabin shopkeeper Ali Hasan Shah and four passengers travelling in the rickshaw and HiAce. Investigators added that the dumper's fitness certificate was also not available.

A case (No 1724/2025) has been lodged on the complaint of Inspector Nasir of the Traffic Section Zulfiqarabad.