Two dead and dozens injured as fog causes deadly crashes in Punjab

In Pakistan, a tragic series of accidents occurred due to thick fog, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. On December 28, 2024, a car collided with a sugarcane-laden tractor-trolley in Lahore, leading to the death of seven family members. The fatalities included Rabia Zaheer, aged 36, and her two children, aged 11 and 6, alongside her two sons. The family was traveling when the driver could not see the tractor-trolley due to the dense fog. The injured, including Rabia's brother-in-law and his son, were taken to the Samundri Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, where they were reported to be in critical condition. Rescue and recovery efforts required the cutting of the car's steel body to pull out the deceased and injured, highlighting the severity of the accident. In a separate incident, a motorcycle accident occurred in Gojra when a car ran over the two-wheeler, resulting in the death of an 18-year-old motorcyclist and serious injuries to his companions. The poor visibility due to fog is reported to have contributed significantly to the accident's occurrence. Further down in Punjab, especially in Bahawalpur, other accidents caused by reduced visibility due to fog resulted in two more deaths and 26 injuries, with nine people suffering serious wounds. Authorities are emphasizing road safety in fog conditions as a pressing concern. These multiple incidents indicate a broader issue affecting road safety in foggy conditions and underscore the need for heightened awareness and caution while driving in adverse weather. Emergency services, including Rescue 1122, are often at the forefront of such recovery efforts, exemplifying the role they play in responding to accidents. The authorities are urged to take measures to ensure drivers recognize the dangers of low visibility driving to prevent further tragedies like these. The accidents serve as a grim reminder of the risks posed by erratic weather and poor driving conditions.