Karachi traffic accidents claim 150 lives in two months

A tragic road accident occurred on Friday night in Karachi’s Baldia area, contributing to the rising number of fatalities from road accidents in the city. A dumper truck, which was driving in the wrong direction on Hub River Road, ran over a rickshaw, bringing the total death toll for the year to 150.

The incident resulted in one death and left four others, including the victim’s son, injured. The victim had traveled from Pishin, Quetta, to Karachi to help with his son’s wedding preparations.

Eyewitnesses stated that the truck driver fled the scene after the accident, and they also mentioned that another rickshaw was struck by the truck.

This brings the total number of road fatalities in Karachi to 150 within the first two months of 2025. Of these deaths, 47 were caused by heavy vehicles.

Compared to last year, Karachi has seen a significant 74.4% increase in road deaths, with 86 fatalities reported in January and February 2024. This year, 69 people died in January, and 40 died in February, with victims ranging in age from 2 to 75 years old.

Crackdown on traffic violations

In response to the growing number of road accidents, the Sindh Transport Department has launched a crackdown on traffic law violations in several cities.

As part of these operations, 1,856 vehicles were fined, and 88 drivers were arrested. Authorities inspected 4,106 vehicles, leading to the seizure of 195. Fines totaling over Rs 3.1 million were imposed.

Further inspections revealed several issues: 49 vehicles lacked fitness certificates, 26 drivers were without a valid driving license, 98 vehicles were in poor condition, and 64 had their fitness certificates revoked.

Sindh Transport Minister Sharjeel Memon stressed that road safety and strict enforcement of traffic laws are top priorities. He warned transport operators to follow regulations or face legal action, emphasizing that reckless driving and unfit vehicles endanger public safety. The crackdown will continue to address the rising number of road accidents.