Pakistan’s Karachi records 546 deaths in seven months amid surge in road accidents

Karachi has experienced a sharp rise in road accidents during the first seven months of 2025, with 546 people losing their lives and over 8,100 injured, according to ARY News. Heavy vehicles have been a major contributor to this deadly trend, accounting for 165 fatalities.

Amongst the fatalities, 425 were men, 51 women, 51 boys, and 19 girls. Trailers topped the list of deadliest vehicles, responsible for 62 deaths, followed by water tankers with 37, dumpers with 32, and buses with 20.

Authorities have called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and improved road safety measures to reverse the rising toll.

VIOLENCE ERUPTS AFTER FATAL CRASH

In a separate incident, tensions boiled over after a tragic accident on Rashid Minhas Road in the Federal B Area, where a speeding dumper collided with a motorcycle, killing a 22-year-old woman, Mahnoor, and her 14-year-old brother, Ahmed Raza.

Enraged residents set fire to seven dumpers in protest. Police and Rangers swiftly intervened to restore order. SSP Gulberg confirmed that the dumper driver involved in the crash has been arrested.

Authorities have detained 10 suspects linked to the rioting and torching of dump trucks and are pursuing further arrests based on CCTV footage and video evidence.

In response, the Dump Truck Association organised a sit-in protest on the Super Highway. Association leader Liaqat Mehsud claimed nine vehicles—not seven—were damaged, and vowed to block the highway until the perpetrators are brought to justice.

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With inputs from agencies