Six children sustained burn injuries after a school van caught fire in Karachi’s Nazimabad area on Monday morning. The incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. when the van reportedly overheated, leading to a sudden blaze that engulfed the vehicle within minutes.
Rescue officials confirmed that the children were immediately shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for treatment. The fire, which broke out while the van was en route to school, caused panic in the residential neighborhood.
Residents Step In to Control the Fire
According to police officials, no formal report was initially received regarding the children’s injuries. Nearby residents acted swiftly, using self-help measures to extinguish the flames before rescue teams arrived. Their timely action prevented a greater tragedy, though the van was completely destroyed.
Authorities are now investigating the cause of the overheating that led to the fire, with officials urging vehicle owners to ensure regular maintenance to prevent such accidents in the future.
Previous School Transport Tragedy in Dera Ghazi Khan
This incident follows a similar tragedy near Sakhi Sarwar in Dera Ghazi Khan in November 2024, when a van collided with a truck. The collision claimed the lives of four female teachers, including a school principal, and left seven others injured.
In that accident, Principal Syed Amjad Ali and teachers Kiran, Nosheen, and Tahira lost their lives while traveling to school. The injured were rushed to DG Khan Hospital for medical attention.
Growing Concerns Over School Transport Safety
The recurring incidents involving school vehicles highlight growing concerns about safety standards and maintenance practices across Pakistan. Parents and education authorities continue to call for stricter inspection protocols for school transport to ensure the protection of children and staff.
Authorities in Karachi have urged all transport operators to inspect vehicles for potential technical faults, particularly overheating risks that may lead to fire hazards.
