Karachi witnessed yet another devastating traffic accident as a water tanker ran over a young couple near Malir Halt Flyover in Model Colony. The tragic incident claimed the lives of Abdul Qayyum, his pregnant wife Zainab, and their unborn child, highlighting the growing menace of reckless heavy vehicle drivers in the city.
Malir Halt Accident Claims Three Lives
The accident occurred when Abdul Qayyum, an employee of the Cantonment Board Malir, was returning home with his wife after a routine check-up at Kohi Goth Hospital. A speeding water tanker struck their motorcycle, dragging it underneath and killing Qayyum on the spot. Zainab, critically injured and lying in a pool of blood, gave birth in her final moments, but the newborn also succumbed to injuries shortly after.
Eyewitnesses Describe Heartbreaking Scene
Witnesses recounted the horror of the accident, with onlookers screaming in shock as the tanker crushed the couple. A viral video circulating on social media showed a passerby desperately rushing the newborn to a hospital in an attempt to save the child’s life.
Public Anger Erupts Over Reckless Driving
The heart-wrenching accident triggered public outrage, with an angry crowd pelting stones at the water tanker, breaking its windows and lights. The driver was apprehended by enraged citizens, beaten, and later handed over to the police along with the vehicle’s helper. The grieving families of the victims urged the government to take strict measures against reckless tanker drivers and demanded that heavy vehicles be restricted to nighttime operations to prevent further tragedies.
Rising Death Toll from Heavy Vehicle Accidents in Karachi
According to Chhipa authorities, Karachi has already witnessed 214 traffic-related deaths this year. Heavy vehicles alone have caused 68 fatalities in just 83 days, with incidents involving dumpers, trailers, water tankers, Mazda trucks, and buses leading to dozens of deaths. The statistics also indicate that 2,783 people have been injured in various road accidents across the city.
Demands for Strict Regulations on Heavy Vehicles
Following the Malir Halt accident, citizens and safety advocates are calling for urgent action to regulate heavy vehicle movement within city limits. Many demand stringent laws, proper driver training, and strict penalties to curb reckless driving.
The Malir Halt accident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for traffic reforms in Karachi. As grieving families mourn their loved ones, authorities must act swiftly to ensure safer roads and prevent further loss of innocent lives.
