In a heartbreaking incident near Ibrahim Hyderi, Korangi, Karachi, a speeding dumper ran over a motorcycle carrying three young men, killing them on the spot. The accident, a grim reflection of the rising traffic dangers in the city, sparked outrage among residents. An enraged mob set the dumper on fire, demanding justice and refusing to allow the vehicle to be removed until the driver is apprehended.
The victims included 22-year-old Shaukat, a welder and father of a young son, and two guests from Bahawalpur. Despite a heavy police presence, tensions remained high as protesters blocked the road and disrupted traffic. Some demonstrators also attempted to attack a Pink Bus Service vehicle on the same route, further escalating the situation.
Eyewitnesses reported that the dumper, transporting sand, was speeding on the wrong side of the road at the time of the crash. The driver fled the scene, prompting police to launch a search operation. This incident is part of a disturbing trend of heavy vehicles flouting traffic rules in Karachi, operating during prohibited hours and putting public safety at risk.
Recent weeks have seen a surge in similar accidents. On February 5, another dumper accident claimed five lives, including a married couple and a father-son duo. Despite government pledges to enforce stricter traffic regulations, reckless dumper drivers continue to endanger lives on Karachi’s roads.
In response to the alarming rise in fatalities, Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah has summoned a high-level meeting on February 10. Key stakeholders, including the IG Sindh, Commissioner Karachi, and traffic authorities, will discuss urgent measures to regulate heavy vehicles. The meeting aims to enhance traffic enforcement, increase police presence, and launch awareness campaigns for road safety, particularly targeting motorcyclists.
The persistence of such tragedies underscores the critical need for immediate reforms. Without stronger enforcement of traffic laws, improved infrastructure, and public awareness, Karachi’s streets will remain a perilous battleground for ordinary citizens.
