Mob torches 'killer' tanker

Teen was on his way to college when reckless truck driver ran over him

KARACHI:

Fatal road accidents involving heavy vehicles continue unabated in the provincial capital. Abid Raees, a 17-year-old first-year student, was on his way to class in uniform when his life was tragically cut short as a speeding water tanker crushed him under its wheels in North Karachi on Wednesday morning.

The incident occurred near the K-Electric office on the route from Baba Mor to Four-K Chowrangi, within the jurisdiction of Khawaja Ajmer Nagri police station. Police said the tanker ran over the teenager, killing him instantly. His body was shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for medico-legal formalities.

Following the crash, enraged residents vandalised property and set the tanker on fire. Police and the fire brigade quickly brought the blaze under control. The front portion of the tanker was completely destroyed.

Abid, a first-year student at Usman Public School and College, was wearing his college uniform and likely on his way to class when the accident occurred, according to SHO Sarfaraz. Witnesses, including workers from a nearby puncture shop, told police that the tragedy unfolded after two motorcycles collided, causing Abid to fall, where he was immediately run over by the tanker. The driver fled the scene.

Police have taken the burned tanker into custody. The vehicle was not registered in Karachi, and investigators are checking whether it had a dashboard camera or GPS tracker. Raids are underway to arrest the driver and the vehicle owner. After legal formalities, the body was handed over to the family.

According to rescue officials, 806 people have been killed and 11,596 injured in traffic accidents across Karachi so far this year. 244 deaths involved heavy vehicles. Despite the introduction of automated e-challan systems, fatal accidents continue unabated.

Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi Ameer Monem Zafar condemned the tragedy, expressing profound grief and highlighting that deadly tankers and dumpers claim innocent lives daily.

The MQM-P spokesperson also expressed deep sorrow, criticising the Sindh government for leaving citizens helpless. He pointed to recent fatal tanker accidents on Kashmir Road and Nagan Chowrangi as evidence of government inefficiency and a failing traffic management system.

He noted that despite hundreds of cameras and thousands of e-challans, the tanker mafia remains uncontrollable. He urged the government to enhance monitoring at dangerous intersections, install clear signboards and speed-control systems, increase traffic police capacity, and implement permanent safety measures to protect citizens. The party emphasised that immediate and effective action is essential to prevent further tragedies on Karachi's roads.