At least 13 people were killed and several others injured after a passenger bus, an oil tanker and multiple vehicles collided on the M-9 Motorway near Kathore, around 60 kilometres from Karachi, on Friday.

According to motorway police and rescue officials, the deadly crash occurred near the DHA City stretch of the Super Highway when an oil tanker travelling towards Karachi overturned after hitting a Vigo pickup.

Several vehicles coming from behind then rammed into each other, triggering a massive pile-up.

Rescue teams said the vehicles involved included two buses, two trailers and an oil tanker.

The bodies of the deceased were shifted to Baqai Hospital, while the injured were taken to Civil Hospital Karachi.

Officials warned the death toll could rise as rescue work continued.

Among those killed were three women and four children. The injured included minors, ranging in age from two months to 14 years, rescue sources said.

Motorway police sealed the accident site and diverted traffic as clearance operations were launched. Traffic flow on the M-9 was gradually restored after the damaged vehicles were removed, allowing traffic from Hyderabad to proceed.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar expressed grief over the incident. The chief minister sought a report from the inspector general of police and directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured.

IG Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon ordered senior police officers to reach the site immediately and secure the area. Relevant agencies were also placed on alert due to oil leakage from the tanker and potential safety hazards.

Authorities instructed that access routes be kept clear for ambulances and rescue teams, while traffic was diverted to alternative routes. Officials said precautionary measures were in place and the situation was being closely monitored.

Meanwhile, Karachi Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the affected families. On his directive, an emergency was imposed at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital to ensure immediate medical care for the injured.

He also directed the administration to accelerate relief efforts, stressing that the protection of citizens’ lives and property remained the top priority.

This is a developing story… follow for more…