SARGODHA: At least fourteen people were killed and several others injured in a tragic accident early Saturday morning when a truck plunged into a canal near Sargodha amid dense fog, officials confirmed.
Rescue officials reported that the accident occurred on the Gulpur Bangla canal road due to severely reduced visibility caused by heavy winter fog. The driver reportedly lost control, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and fall into the canal. While the water channel was dry at the time, the force of the fall and the subsequent crushing impact of the vehicle led to the fatalities and injuries.
“The truck fell into the Gulpur Bangla canal due to low visibility from heavy fog,” a rescue spokesperson stated. “Seven people died at the scene after being crushed under the truck, and multiple others have sustained injuries.”
Initial reports indicated that the truck was carrying 18 people at the time of the incident. Following the crash, local emergency services launched immediate rescue operations. Rescue teams worked at the site to extract victims from the wreckage. All the deceased and injured were shifted to a nearby hospital for medico-legal formalities and necessary treatment. The condition of some injured is reported to be critical.
The accident has once again highlighted the severe hazards posed by dense fog during Punjab’s winter months, often leading to road closures and warnings from authorities. Investigations into the exact circumstances of the crash are ongoing, with police likely to examine factors including vehicle overloading and driver error.
