Enraged citizens set fire to multiple dumper trucks at various locations on Wednesday evening following an incident in the North Karachi area where a speeding dumper truck crushed two motorbikes.
Taking cognizance of the situation, the provincial government directed authorities to apprehend the driver and those involved in the arson of the vehicles.
The sequence of events began when a high-speed dump truck, allegedly driven by a minor, collided with two motorbikes near the Nagan Chowrangi Flyover.
While no fatalities were reported as a result of the collision, the incident ignited public fury, leading to the torching of several dumper trucks along the same thoroughfare.
Police confirmed that at least nine vehicles were set ablaze, including five dumper trucks and four water tankers.
According to police officials, all five dumper trucks were set on fire at the Powerhouse roundabout, while three water tankers were burned at the 4K roundabout and an additional one at Baba Morr in Surjani Town.
Swiftly responding to the situation, police detained numerous individuals overnight, as stated by the spokesperson for SSP Central to Geo News.
The police spokesperson indicated that the suspects were identified through CCTV footage and video recordings. The process of identifying the detainees is currently underway, he added.
The police spokesperson also assured the public that there are no traffic obstructions around Powerhouse Chowrangi, and all roads are open for traffic. A significant police presence has been deployed in the area to maintain order.
“Individuals attempting to disrupt peace and destabilize the law and order situation will face severe consequences,” the spokesperson further stated.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that the dumper truck, purportedly driven by a teenager between the ages of 17 and 18, was traveling at a high velocity from the Nagan Chowrangi flyover when it struck the two motorcycles. The riders sustained minor injuries.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the incensed crowd surrounded the dumper truck, physically assaulted the driver, and used motorbikes to block its movement. In a desperate attempt to escape, the driver reportedly drove over the motorcycles, further escalating the situation.
The enraged crowd proceeded to set fire to several dumper trucks at the Powerhouse roundabout. Subsequently, more vehicles were torched in the vicinity of the 4K Chowrangi area. Police sources verified that a total of seven dumper trucks were burned.
Firefighters were dispatched to the scene and successfully extinguished the flames under the protection of a police cordon. A substantial police contingent was deployed in the affected areas to regain control of the situation.
Police stated that they are gathering information from hospitals to determine if there were any unreported injuries resulting from the initial accident or the subsequent unrest.
In reaction to the incidents, dumper truck drivers created road blockades by dumping piles of garbage on the main road near Sohrab Goth and Al-Asif Square, causing traffic disruptions.
Liaquat Mehsud, a representative of the Dumper Association, addressing the media at the Powerhouse Chowrangi, claimed that eleven of his vehicles had been set on fire.
He urged the government to arrest those responsible for the arson and demanded protection for dumper owners and drivers.
“If anyone sustained injuries in the accident, they should come forward. Where are they?” he questioned.
Responding strongly to the unfolding events, Home Minister Zia Lanjar expressed his regret over the accidents and issued clear directives for the arrest of those involved in reckless driving.
“No one is authorized to set heavy vehicles on fire. Anyone disturbing the peace or spreading terror will be taken into custody,” he emphasized.
The minister also instructed the police to investigate the protests near Sohrab Goth and to arrest individuals who incited violence.
Meanwhile, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori voiced his concern regarding the incidents. He acknowledged the public’s anger over fatal road accidents involving heavy vehicles but cautioned against taking the law into one’s own hands.
“Citizens have every right to be upset, but the rule of law must prevail. Let us not allow anyone to fuel the flames of conflict,” he stated.
He appealed to the residents of Karachi to remain peaceful and avoid any provocation, emphasizing the importance of unity and adherence to the law.
