Water tankers run over, kill three bike-riders in Karachi
- Three individuals were struck and killed by water tankers in two incidents on January 10, 2025.
- An angry mob set one of the tankers on fire after two motorcyclists were killed in the first incident.
- Both incidents highlight a growing concern over reckless driving and the need for improved road safety measures.
In Karachi, Pakistan, on January 10, 2025, three individuals lost their lives in separate incidents involving water tankers. The first incident occurred on Shaheed-i-Millat Road, where two motorcyclists, Syed Noman and Israr Ahmed, were struck by a tanker near the Tipu Sultan Bridge. Witnesses reported that the truck driver, Shahzad Ali Shah, fled the scene, prompting an angry mob to retaliate by setting the tanker on fire. This alteration to the scene underscores the growing tensions among residents regarding road safety and accountability. In addition to the fatalities, another individual, whose identity remains unknown, sustained injuries during the same accident. Authorities transported the deceased to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre and credited rash driving as a potential cause for this tragedy. The local police initiated legal proceedings against the driver on terms established by the relatives of Israr Ahmed, who filed a complaint. Later that day, another incident took place on the National Highway involving a bike rider named Saeed, who was also killed when a water tanker hit him near Ghaghar Phatak. According to police reports, Saeed’s family reached an agreement with the driver and opted against pursuing legal action, illustrating a complicated dynamic between victims' families and responsible parties in accidents involving large vehicles. The occurrences on January 10 highlight a concerning trend regarding water tankers and their impact on road safety in Karachi. Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori responded to the incidents with a statement reflecting on the increasing danger posed by water tankers, calling for a detailed report from police on road safety in the area. The fear of similar events happening again should compel local authorities to reassess regulations surrounding large vehicles, enhance driver training, and improve road conditions. Without urgent intervention, the risk of fatal accidents will likely persist, further endangering the lives of motorcyclists in Karachi.