Asif Mehmood Awan
Abbottabad: Three students of the Cantonment Board Public School and College, Abbottabad, were killed and five others seriously injured after being hit by a speeding dumper in front of the school on Friday morning. The tragic incident sparked widespread protests by parents and local residents, who held the administration and police responsible for negligence.
According to police, the victims — residents of Banda Phagwarian village — had been dropped near Lady Garden School by Suzuki Carry (LEF-8962) driver Zeeshan, son of Waheed. As soon as they attempted to cross the road, a speeding dumper (TKM-060) coming from Baldheri ran over them.
The deceased were identified as 10-year-old Rehan, son of Tufail, 14-year-old Manal, daughter of Ayaz, and 13-year-old Swab, son of Ijaz. The injured included 5-year-old Urwa, 13-year-old Sawira, 15-year-old Yashfa, and 11-year-old Hatshaam. Rescue 1122 shifted the bodies and the injured to DHQ Hospital. The dumper driver managed to flee the scene after the accident.
Police registered a case under sections 322, 320, 337-O, and 219 of the Pakistan Penal Code. Following the accident, a large number of parents and citizens gathered at DHQ Hospital to protest.
District Police Officer (DPO) Umar Tufail Gandapur, former NA candidate Malik Mohabbat Awan, SSP Traffic Warden Qamar Hayat, and other officers reached the hospital. DPO Gandapur expressed regret over the incident and assured strict legal action against those responsible. He said the dumper driver and a negligent traffic warden had been suspended, and a case was also registered against the Suzuki Carry driver for unsafe drop-off.
The tragic deaths left parents and residents grief-stricken, with many breaking down in tears at the hospital. Political leaders, lawyers, and civil society members strongly criticized the traffic police, blaming their negligence for allowing heavy vehicles to enter the city during school hours, which ultimately led to the loss of young lives.
