At least 10 tourists lost their lives and 13 others sustained injuries after a passenger van crashed and caught fire on the Murree Expressway near Khajot, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
According to Deputy Commissioner Murree, Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi, the van was carrying 23 passengers from Multan who had departed for Murree at around 2:00 am. Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle was traveling at high speed when it struck a roadside barrier.
Following the collision, the van’s engine caught fire, while its sliding door reportedly became jammed, trapping several passengers inside. Emergency responders and rescue teams rushed to the scene shortly after the incident was reported.
The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment, while several victims died at the scene due to the severe impact of the crash and the intensity of the fire.
Motorway Police said an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the accident. Initial findings suggest that overspeeding may have played a role in the tragedy.
The heartbreaking incident has once again highlighted growing concerns over road safety on the busy Murree route, particularly during the peak tourist season.
Authorities continue rescue efforts and investigations as more details emerge.
