Karachi began the New Year on a tragic note with a sharp rise in road traffic accidents (RTAs), resulting in over 20 deaths and more than 200 injuries in the first 10 days of January.
At least 23 people, including 18 men, two women, and five children, lost their lives in these accidents. Data from rescue sources highlighted a significant increase in RTAs, mostly due to the negligence of heavy vehicle drivers, with motorcyclists being the primary victims.
Despite a ban on heavy traffic movement from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM in Karachi, many accidents occurred during the early morning hours, involving heavy vehicles.
Governor Sindh, Kamran Khan Tessori, expressed serious concern over the rising accidents and directed Inspector General Sindh Police, Ghulam Nabi Memon, to take strict action against heavy vehicles operating before 6:00 AM. “These tankers are a danger to our city, claiming innocent lives, which is deeply troubling,” he stated.
By December 2024, RTAs had caused 771 deaths and injured 8,140 people across Karachi, according to the Chhipa Foundation. Their report showed January had the highest number of accidents (69), followed by 51 in both February and April, 32 in March, and 39 in May.