In a tragic incident in Murree, a second child from the same family has succumbed to severe burn injuries after a school van caught fire following an accident. This brings the total number of siblings lost in the accident to two.
Arham, critically injured in the crash, passed away after his sister Ayesha, aged 14, who had suffered burns over 42% of her body. Ayesha died during treatment at Holy Family Hospital in Rawalpindi on Wednesday.
Arham’s funeral was held in his ancestral village, drawing social figures, district officials, local residents, and many citizens. The mood was somber as mourners gathered to grieve the loss of the two siblings. He was laid to rest amid tears and prayers, leaving the family devastated and casting a shadow of sorrow over the community.
The accident occurred on Tuesday morning when the school van, transporting children to three different schools, veered off the road and caught fire. District Police Officer Raza Tanveer Supra stated the incident took place around 7:15 a.m. after the vehicle reportedly experienced brake failure, lost control, and ignited.
The Suzuki Bolan/Carry was carrying 12 individuals: the driver, a helper, and 10 children of various ages. The vehicle had been locally arranged by parents to ferry children from one village to government and private schools.
Thanks to the driver and local residents, the children were evacuated promptly. Police and Rescue 1122 teams then transported the injured to hospitals for treatment.
Initial assessments point to brake failure as the cause, but an inquiry committee is conducting a thorough investigation to establish the exact reasons behind the accident. A preliminary report suggested the fire may have started due to sparking from the vehicle’s battery and noted the absence of a fire extinguisher on board. The van was identified as a 2006-model Suzuki Carry/Bolan, with recommendations for a detailed technical and mechanical inspection.
Among the injured, four children with burns covering more than 25% of their bodies were referred to a specialized burn unit in Rawalpindi. Two children escaped with minor or no injuries, while six others sustained burns covering less than 10% of their bodies.
Authorities are treating the case as an accident but are also investigating potential negligence. Traffic and district police have been instructed to conduct joint inspections of school vans and public transport vehicles, focusing on issues such as overloading, vehicle fitness, route permits, drivers’ licenses, and the safety of gas cylinders.
The ongoing investigation aims to clarify whether mechanical failure, negligence, or traffic violations contributed to the accident and the subsequent fire.
