Mob Sets Water Tanker Ablaze Following Hit-and-Run Incident in Karachi
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Synopsis
A water tanker was burned by a mob in Karachi after it was involved in a hit-and-run accident. The driver fled, leading to widespread violence. Authorities are investigating the premeditated nature of the attacks, which have resulted in numerous heavy vehicles being torched in response to a growing trend of traffic accidents.
Key Takeaways
- Mob violence leads to water tanker arson.
- Incident followed a hit-and-run accident.
- Police investigating with CCTV footage.
- 19 suspects arrested for pre-planned arson.
- Karachi sees a rise in traffic-related fatalities.
Karachi, April 12 (NationPress) A disturbing surge of mob violence has been reported in Karachi, Pakistan, where a water tanker was set ablaze after it allegedly struck a local individual, resulting in minor injuries.
After the incident at Sakhi Hassan Five Star Chowrangi, the tanker driver fled the scene. However, a group of about 10-12 individuals pursued him and ignited the vehicle, according to local media reports on Saturday.
Authorities from the Shahrah-e-Noor Jahan police station arrived promptly to investigate the incident. They are currently reviewing CCTV footage to identify those involved, as reported by The Express Tribune.
By Wednesday night, mobs had torched over 10 dumpers and water tankers near Power House Chowrangi and 4-K Chowrangi in North Karachi following a truck driver colliding with a motorcyclist, resulting in injuries.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Karachi West Irfan Baloch informed ARY News on Thursday that the vehicles were set on fire due to what appeared to be "premeditated planning."
According to Hassaan Khan, spokesperson for Pakistan's emergency services, a call was made regarding a dumper colliding with a motorcycle rider at Nagan Chowrangi in North Karachi.
Following the incident, a mob chased the dumper and ignited it.
Khan further noted that the mob threw stones at fire tenders attempting to extinguish the flames.
He confirmed that a total of 10 dumpers and water tankers were set ablaze across various areas of North Karachi within a span of three hours, causing significant damage to the vehicles.
In response, city police reported conducting raids that resulted in the arrest of 19 suspects, who have been charged with terrorism, labeling the incidents as "pre-planned acts of arson."
As reported by Dawn, Karachi has seen a notable increase in traffic accidents, particularly involving dumpers and water tankers.
In 2024 alone, these incidents have resulted in nearly 500 fatalities and 4,879 injuries, according to hospital records.
The alarming number of accidents has sparked protests regarding the loss of lives, prompting the provincial government to impose a ban on the movement of heavy vehicles during daytime hours in Karachi.
