KARACHI: At least 13 people were killed and several others injured after an oil tanker, a bus and multiple vehicles collided near Kathore on the M9 Motorway, police said on Friday.
Officials said the coach was travelling on the wrong side of the road at the time of the crash, leading to a devastating collision.
Rescue authorities confirmed that the deceased included women and children. Several passengers also fell from a bridge due to the force of the impact.
A number of people sustained injuries and were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Meanwhile, Sindh Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho directed police to immediately reach the accident site and ordered the area to be secured to support rescue operations and investigation efforts.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep grief over the tragic incident, offering prayers for the departed souls and condolences to the bereaved families. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The president directed the Sindh government to ensure immediate and best possible medical treatment for those hurt in the accident.
Fatal road accidents remain common in Pakistan due to poor enforcement of traffic rules and deteriorating road infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.
Earlier this month, three people, including a woman and her minor daughter, died in another accident on the M9 Motorway near Lunikot in Jamshoro district.
The 136-kilometre M9 Motorway, which links Karachi and Hyderabad, has increasingly raised safety concerns among commuters due to cracks, bumps and uneven patches along the route.
