Murree traffic police launch fire safety checks on school vans

The City Traffic Police Murree has formed special squads to inspect school vans and other public service vehicles across the district. The squads were formed on the directions of District Police Officer Murree Raza Tanveer Sipra and Chief Traffic Officer Murree Munir Ahmed Hashmi.

School van fire raises safety concerns

The crackdown follows a recent school van accident in Murree in which 11 people were injured. The van veered off the road and caught fire near Bara Hotar Link Road, according to Rescue 1122 and police reports. Most of those injured were schoolchildren.

The incident prompted authorities to take a closer look at the safety arrangements of vehicles used to transport children.

Initial reports differed over the exact cause of the fire. A preliminary report cited battery sparking, while other reports said police were investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Authorities have therefore stressed the need for proper vehicle inspections rather than relying on assumptions about the cause of the incident.

Fire extinguishers become key focus

Chief Traffic Officer Munir Ahmed Hashmi has directed traffic wardens not to compromise on safety arrangements in vehicles carrying schoolchildren and other passengers. Drivers, vehicle owners and transporters have been told to keep suitable and serviceable fire extinguishers inside their vehicles.

The traffic police said the first few moments after a vehicle catches fire can be critical. A fire may start because of a short circuit, fuel leakage or another mechanical problem and can spread quickly.

A working fire extinguisher can help control a small fire at an early stage while emergency teams are on their way. Officials said this can help reduce the risk of injuries, loss of life and damage to vehicles and property.

Checks cover condition and expiry dates

The special squads are not only checking whether a fire extinguisher is present.

Traffic wardens are also examining whether the equipment is usable and whether it has passed its expiry date. This is important because a missing, damaged or expired extinguisher may not provide effective protection during a fire.

The inspection teams have been directed to check school vans, pickups, Carry Bolans, Toyota Hi-Aces, buses and other passenger vehicles. The traffic police said inspections will continue at different locations across Murree.

School administrations urged to act

Authorities have also asked school administrations to pay close attention to the condition of vehicles used to transport students.

Schools have been urged to ensure that vehicles carrying children have the required safety equipment and that the equipment is ready for use. Parents have also been encouraged to remain aware of the safety arrangements for school transport.

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Transporters and drivers have been told to cooperate with inspection teams and comply with safety requirements. The traffic police said protecting children should remain a priority whenever school transport vehicles are operated.

Drivers and vehicle owners face greater scrutiny

The latest campaign is also expected to increase scrutiny of drivers and vehicle owners operating public and school transport.

Officials want transporters to make sure vehicles are fit for use and equipped with basic emergency safety equipment. Traffic police have also previously taken action against violations involving overloading, missing route permits, fitness certificates and other transport requirements.

According to a report published after the Murree incident, police said traffic authorities issued thousands of challans during August and September for different violations. The wider enforcement campaign is intended to address several safety issues rather than focusing only on fire extinguishers.

Parents remain concerned about school transport

The safety of school transport has become a major concern following the Murree incident. Children often spend a significant part of their daily journey inside school vans, making the condition of these vehicles an important safety issue.

Parents and school administrations can help by checking whether transport vehicles are properly maintained and whether drivers follow safety rules. Authorities have also urged people to report serious violations so that appropriate action can be taken.

Inspections to continue across Murree

The City Traffic Police has said the inspection campaign will continue at different locations across the district.

Special squads will continue checking school transport and public service vehicles for compliance with safety requirements. The teams will pay particular attention to fire extinguishers and their condition.

Officials have said safety arrangements must be maintained throughout the year rather than only after an accident. The crackdown is therefore expected to remain part of wider traffic enforcement in Murree.