A school van carrying 12 children crashed into a ravine and caught fire at Sign Road in Misaari, Murree, on Tuesday, leaving 11 children with burn injuries. Police said the initial cause of the accident appeared to be brake failure.
Four severely injured children were shifted to Holy Family Hospital in Rawalpindi, while eight children were taken to the District Headquarters Hospital in Murree for treatment. Rescue teams and police responded to the scene and brought the fire under control.
Children Among Those Seriously Injured
Murree District Police Officer (DPO) Raza Tanveer said the van was carrying students from two private schools.
According to police, Arham, 8, suffered burns over about 38 percent of his body, while 8-year-old Hassan Talib sustained burns over approximately 26 percent. A third child, Ayesha, suffered burns covering around 42 percent of her body.
Police said the remaining eight children were in stable condition. Two escaped burn injuries, while six sustained burns covering less than 10 percent of their bodies.
Fire Extinguished, Vehicle Fitness Checks Planned
Rescue officials extinguished the fire, while cooling operations continued at the accident site.
Speaking to the media at DHQ Hospital Murree, DPO Raza Tanveer said the van had picked up the children from different areas before the crash. He said first aid was provided immediately after the incident and the more seriously injured children were referred to Rawalpindi.
The DPO said a similar van fire incident had occurred in Murree about two months ago. Following the latest accident, authorities plan to extend vehicle fitness checks to local roads and vehicles operating in rural areas, with the aim of improving transport safety.