At least 12 people were killed and 13 injured when a 22-wheeler truck lost control and plowed into several vehicles at Ambiri Kala Chowk on the Indus Highway in Karak, local authorities said on Saturday.
Deputy Commissioner Karak confirmed that the accident happened due to brake failure, Express News reported.
“Emergency workers are still pulling bodies and survivors from the wreckage, including a passenger bus crushed under the truck,” he said, adding that hospitals in the area were on red alert.
The police fear that the death toll may rise, while rescue teams work to retrieve the victims. A passenger car is still pinned under the truck, delaying efforts to assess the full extent of the tragedy.
The driver of the truck, identified as Samiullah from Lakki Marwat district, was injured and has been detained at a local hospital.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi took notice of the incident and directed the health authorities to provide emergency medical care to the injured. Kundi also directed the Pakistan Red Crescent team to intensify relief operations at the crash site.
In a statement, the governor called on local people to help with relief efforts and donate blood to meet the growing demand.
According to the police, traffic on the main road has been restored, although the scene of the accident is still partially blocked off.
