RAWALPINDI: At least 10 members of a family lost their lives and 13 others were injured after a passenger van fell into a ravine and caught fire on the Rawalpindi-Murree Expressway near Khajut on Wednesday, according to Motorway Police spokesperson Saqib Waheed.
The van, carrying family members from Multan to Murree, reportedly went out of control while taking a turn. It plunged into a drainage channel alongside the road and burst into flames, leaving several passengers trapped inside.
Waheed said the vehicle overturned onto its side, making it impossible to open the doors and creating serious difficulties for both passengers trying to escape and rescue teams attempting to reach them.
As soon as the accident was reported, motorway police officers, rescue personnel and officials from the Murree administration reached the site and began relief operations.
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“The bodies of those killed and the injured survivors were transported to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad for medical treatment, identification and further procedures,” he said.
He added that police and local administration officials remained at the scene while rescue and recovery work continued. Authorities have also launched an investigation to determine what caused the accident.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed grief over the tragedy and ordered an inquiry into the incident.
In a statement, she extended her condolences to the families of the victims and directed the relevant departments to submit a detailed report. She also instructed rescue and administrative authorities to provide every possible assistance to the affected families and ensure continued support for those injured in the crash.
The chief minister further directed officials to identify the factors behind the accident and present a comprehensive report on the circumstances surrounding the incident.