At least 62 people, including women and children, were killed when their bus collided with an oil tanker on National Highway Near Memon Goth in the early hours of Sunday. The collision created a huge blaze which left victims burnt beyond recognition. It was the second crash involving huge loss of life in Sindh in less than three months.

According to police and rescue sources, the incident occurred when a speedy passenger coach-on its way to Shikarpur- collided with an oil tanker. That tanker was said to be travelling on wrong side of the road. Passengers who were on roof top of the bus escaped unhurt as they managed to jump off their vehicle quickly.

Following the incident police contingent and rescuers rushed to the spot and transferred the victims to Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre (JPMC).

Dr Seemin Jamali, In-charge of Emergency and Accident Department JPMC, told Business Recorder that the number of causalities has soared to 62.

A DNA examination is needed for identification of victims. "It is not possible for us to recognise bodies; it's not even possible to separate the human remains," she said.

"We've received 24 samples from the relatives of victims; and these samples would now be transferred to National Forensic and Science Laboratory Islamabad for a DNA test which will take some 15 days. They are beyond recognition and can only be identified through DNA test," she said. "After providing medical assistance, we discharged another four passengers who sustained minor injuries in the said incident," she said. When contacted, Commissioner Karachi, Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui, held the drivers of two vehicles responsible for this tragic accident. He accused them of over-speeding or driving beyond the permissible limits.

Out of 62, the identity of only one has been ascertained. The body is being shifted to his native village near Shikarpur, according to him.

"We are trying to arrest the driver of the oil tanker who fled the scene," SSP Rao Anwaar said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah has announced a Rs 200,000 compensation for each bereaved family. In a press statement, he said that the government will conduct a high-level investigation.

In another case, a bus carrying members of a marriage party, from Lasbella to Karachi, met with an accident near Hub. The accident resulted in the death of six and injuries to 15.

Recorder Report