Karachi: A tragic incident occurred in the Nazimabad area of Karachi on Monday morning when a school van caught fire, leaving six children injured. The blaze reportedly erupted after the vehicle overheated, turning what began as a routine school commute into a frightening ordeal for the students on board.
According to rescue officials, the fire broke out at approximately 7:30 a.m. The children sustained burn injuries and were quickly rushed to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for medical treatment. Hospital sources confirmed that all six victims are school-aged children, with varying degrees of injuries, though all are reported to be out of immediate danger.
Eyewitnesses said the van suddenly began emitting smoke before bursting into flames. Panic ensued as local residents and passersby rushed to help, breaking the vehicle’s windows to rescue the trapped children. Many of them used buckets of water and fire extinguishers to douse the flames before rescue services arrived.
Police officials, however, noted that they were not formally informed about the incident at the time it occurred. “No report of injured children was initially received. It appears that local residents acted swiftly and managed to extinguish the fire themselves,” a police spokesperson said.
Initial investigations suggest that the van’s CNG system may have overheated, causing a short circuit that led to the fire. Authorities are now examining whether the vehicle was properly maintained and if safety protocols were followed by the school administration.
Incidents involving unsafe school transport vehicles are not uncommon in Karachi, where many vans operate without regular safety inspections or adherence to fuel system regulations. The latest mishap has once again raised concerns among parents about the safety standards of school transportation in the city.
The Sindh Education Department has reportedly taken notice of the incident and ordered an inquiry. Officials have emphasized the need for schools and van operators to ensure regular vehicle maintenance, compliance with safety checks, and the use of certified fuel systems to prevent such tragedies in the future.
