Several dead as passenger van catches fire on Islamabad-Murree Expressway

ISLAMABAD: Several people lost their lives on Wednesday after a passenger van caught fire on the Islamabad-Murree Expressway near the Khajut area, according to the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP).

In an official statement, the NHMP spokesperson confirmed that the blaze erupted suddenly inside a Toyota HiAce van. Due to the intensity of the fire, it is feared that multiple passengers trapped inside the vehicle could not survive.

Rescue operations underway

Following the incident, a heavy contingent of the Motorway Police alongside local administration officials rushed to the scene to supervise the emergency response. Rescue teams worked to contain the fire and retrieve the victims from the vehicle.

The tragedy caused disruption to the flow of traffic on the busy expressway, which connects the federal capital to the hill station of Murree.

Motorway Police personnel were deployed to manage the traffic queues and ensure clear passage for emergency vehicles.

Investigation launched

The exact cause of the sudden fire remains unknown. The NHMP spokesperson stated that a formal investigation has been launched by the authorities to determine the technical or mechanical failure that led to the deadly inferno.

Deadly vehicular fires are not uncommon in Pakistan, often caused by poorly maintained engines, electrical short circuits, or the illegal installation of substandard Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders in public transport vehicles.

Minister offers condolences to bereaved families

Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan on Tuesday expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in a tragic tourist van fire on the Murree Expressway, extending condolences to the families of the victims.

In a statement, the minister said the government shared the grief of the affected families and stood with them during their difficult time. He prayed for the departed souls, asking Allah Almighty to grant them the highest ranks in paradise and provide patience and strength to their loved ones.

The minister also expressed sympathy for those injured in the incident and prayed for their swift recovery.

Calls for greater road safety awareness

Describing the incident as heartbreaking, Mr Khan said the entire nation was mourning the loss of precious lives and was deeply saddened by the tragedy.

He urged motorists and travellers to exercise maximum caution while travelling on motorways and highways, stressing the importance of adhering to all safety measures to help prevent such incidents.

The fatal fire incident on the Murree Expressway has sparked widespread grief, with officials and members of the public expressing condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.