Driver booked in Murree school van fire case
Police have registered a case against the driver of a school van following a tragic fire that left several children with serious burn injuries. The case was registered after the incident in Murree, where the vehicle carrying schoolchildren caught fire, leaving two siblings dead and another child critically injured.
According to the FIR, the driver allegedly lit a cigarette while driving the van. The vehicle then caught fire, causing panic among the children travelling inside. The FIR also mentions that petrol was being kept in an open can under one of the van’s seats.
Investigators believe that the presence of petrol inside the vehicle may have contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. However, the exact circumstances surrounding the incident will be determined through the investigation.
Two siblings die from burn injuries
Two siblings, Ayesha Kaleem and Arham Kaleem, suffered serious burn injuries in the incident. Despite receiving medical treatment, both children later died from their injuries.
The deaths have added to concerns about the safety of vehicles used to transport schoolchildren, particularly in areas where roads are difficult, and emergency response can be challenging. The incident has also raised questions about whether proper safety standards were being followed before the van was allowed to carry children.
Injured child remains under treatment
A third child, seven-year-old Hassan, was also critically injured in the fire. He is currently receiving treatment at Holy Family Hospital in Rawalpindi, where doctors are continuing to monitor his condition.
The incident resulted in several children being taken to hospital after the van caught fire in Murree. Medical teams treated the injured children for burn wounds, with the most seriously affected patients referred to Rawalpindi for specialised care.
Van reportedly lacked required documents
The case has also highlighted concerns about the legal status and safety condition of the school van.
According to the FIR, the vehicle did not have an issued route permit or fitness certificate. A fitness certificate is important for vehicles used to transport passengers because it confirms that the vehicle meets required safety and operating standards.
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The absence of such documentation could raise further questions about how the van was allowed to operate as a school transport vehicle. Authorities are expected to examine the vehicle’s condition and documents as part of the investigation.
Authorities intensify school van inspections
Following the tragedy, authorities have stepped up inspections of school vans and passenger vehicles in Murree.
Special teams are checking vehicles to ensure that they meet safety requirements and have the necessary equipment. Officials are also focusing on fire safety arrangements, including the availability and condition of fire extinguishers.
The inspections are aimed at preventing similar incidents and identifying vehicles that may pose risks to passengers. Authorities have urged drivers, vehicle owners and transporters to take safety requirements seriously, particularly when carrying children.
School transport safety under scrutiny
The Murree incident has once again drawn attention to the safety of school transport in Pakistan.
Parents generally rely on school vans and other private vehicles to take children to and from educational institutions. Any failure to meet basic safety requirements can put a large number of children at risk.
Transport vehicles should be properly maintained and should have valid documents, suitable safety equipment, and trained drivers.
Keeping petrol or other flammable material inside a passenger vehicle can also create serious risks, particularly if it is stored improperly. The incident shows how a seemingly small safety violation can have devastating consequences.
Investigation to determine responsibility
The driver has been booked, but the registration of a case does not by itself establish guilt. Police will investigate the circumstances of the fire, examine the vehicle and review the evidence collected from the scene.
The role of the driver, the condition of the van, the availability of required documents, and the presence of petrol inside the vehicle are expected to form part of the investigation. Any further action will depend on the findings of investigators and the legal process.
