10 killed as tourist van catches fire after crash on Murree Expressway

At least 10 people have been killed and 13 others injured after a tourist van crashed and caught fire on the

At least 10 people have been killed and 13 others injured after a tourist van crashed and caught fire on the Islamabad–Murree Expressway near Khajut, according to officials.

Motorway police said the vehicle, carrying 23 passengers from Multan, lost control while negotiating a turn and struck a roadside barrier before plunging into a ravine. The impact caused a fire to erupt in the engine area.

Officials said the situation worsened when the van overturned onto the side where its sliding door was located, trapping passengers inside and preventing escape.

Rescue teams, motorway police, and local administration units rushed to the scene shortly after the incident. Firefighters and rescue workers later recovered bodies and shifted injured passengers to nearby hospitals, including the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad.

Authorities confirmed that the victims included several children. Rescue officials said the passengers were members of the same group traveling together for a trip to Murree.

According to initial reports, the vehicle was reportedly speeding before the accident occurred. Investigators are now examining whether mechanical failure, road conditions, or driver negligence contributed to the crash and subsequent fire.

Hospital officials said at least 10 injured passengers were brought in for treatment, with two reported to be in critical condition.

Emergency response teams continued operations at the site for several hours as they cleared the wreckage and searched for any remaining victims.

Authorities have launched a formal investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause of the crash and the fire.

Punjab leadership expressed grief over the loss of lives and directed officials to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured while submitting a detailed report on the tragedy.