MURREE: At least 10 people lost their lives and 13 others were injured after a tourist van carrying members of the same family crashed and caught fire near Khajut on the Islamabad-Murree Expressway on Wednesday.
According to officials, the vehicle was carrying 23 passengers from Multan who were travelling to Murree for a family outing. The devastating accident has left several families grieving and raised fresh concerns about road safety on mountain highways.
How the Accident Happened
Murree Deputy Commissioner Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi said the van was travelling at a high speed when it struck a side wall while negotiating a turn on the expressway.
The impact reportedly caused a fire in the vehicle’s engine compartment. At the same time, the van’s sliding door became jammed, trapping passengers inside as flames rapidly spread through the vehicle.
Rescue officials said the accident occurred near Khajut, a section of the expressway known for its winding roads and sharp bends.
Vehicle Overturned Before Catching Fire
According to a spokesperson for the Motorway Police, the passenger van plunged into a ravine after losing control on a turn.
The vehicle then overturned on the side where its main exit door was located. This made it impossible for many passengers to open the door and escape once the fire erupted.
Officials said the victims included several children. Initial reports indicate that 10 children were among those travelling in the vehicle.
Authorities are investigating whether the fire was caused solely by the collision or whether a mechanical fault also contributed to the tragedy.
Rescue Operation and Medical Response
Following the accident, teams from Rescue 1122, Motorway Police, the Murree administration and the Forest Department rushed to the scene.
Emergency responders worked for hours to extinguish the fire, recover bodies and rescue survivors from the wreckage.
The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals and later transferred to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad for specialized treatment.
A spokesperson for PIMS confirmed that 10 injured passengers were brought to the hospital, with at least two reported to be in critical condition.
Family Had Left Multan During the Night
Rescue officials said all 23 passengers belonged to the same family and had departed from Multan at around 2am before the tragic accident occurred near Murree.
The incident has shocked residents and tourists alike, especially as Murree experiences increased visitor traffic during the summer season.
Authorities Order Investigation
Authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the crash and subsequent fire.
Investigators are expected to examine factors including vehicle speed, road conditions, mechanical fitness of the van and the failure of the emergency exit door.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed sorrow over the loss of life and extended condolences to the affected families. She directed officials to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured and sought a detailed report on the incident.
Road Safety Concerns Renewed
The tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers of high-speed driving on mountainous roads. Safety experts frequently warn that steep slopes, sharp turns and heavy tourist traffic make routes leading to hill stations particularly hazardous.
As investigations continue, the Murree Expressway accident stands as one of the deadliest road tragedies involving tourists in recent years, leaving behind grieving families and raising urgent questions about passenger safety and emergency preparedness.
