Collision course: 6 killed, 17 injured in pile up

SARGODHA:

Six people were killed and over seventeen sustained injuries when three vans and a truck collided with each other on Sunday morning due to bad weather.

According to police officials, the incident occurred at Bhalwal Road when three high-speed vans coming from different directions collided with each other. One loaded truck also smashed into the vans after skidding on the wet road and due to poor visibility.

All three drivers of the vehicles died on the spot and two passengers also collapsed due to serious injuries while being shifted to the hospital.

Rescue officials immediately shifted the injured to the District Headquarters Hospital in Sargodha. Doctors have said that six of the injured persons are in critical condition. These patients also include minor children. Police and rescue officials said the incident took place due to fog and excess moisture on the roads.

“A dense fog has gripped several parts of Punjab and traffic accidents are becoming increasingly common as people can barely see anything two feet in front of them. We are advising people to take precautions and not venture out when there is fog,” said traffic police official Khawar Nadeem.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 16^th, 2012.