18 killed, 1,540 injured in 1,334 road traffic crashes across Punjab

By Dr Ansab Ali, Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: At least 18 people were killed and 1,540 others injured in 1,334 road traffic crashes reported across Punjab during the last 24 hours, according to data released by the Emergency Services Department (ESD).

Rescue teams responded to accidents in all 37 districts of the province. Of the injured, 699 people sustained serious injuries and were shifted to various hospitals, while 841 victims with minor injuries received treatment at the scene from Rescue Medical Teams, reducing pressure on healthcare facilities.

According to the ESD, motorbikes were involved in 77 percent of the reported crashes, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and improved lane discipline to curb the rising number of road accidents.

The analysis showed that 881 drivers, 81 underage drivers, 158 pedestrians, and 519 passengers were among those affected in the crashes.

Lahore recorded the highest number of accidents, with 249 road traffic crashes affecting 297 people. It was followed by Multan, where 95 crashes resulted in 100 victims, while Faisalabad ranked third with 84 accidents affecting 92 people.

The report revealed that a total of 1,558 victims were involved in the accidents, including 1,224 males and 334 females. Among them, 276 were under the age of 18, while 863 belonged to the 18–40 age group. Another 419 victims were over the age of 40.

Data further showed that 1,395 motorcycles, 80 auto-rickshaws, 153 cars, 40 vans, nine passenger buses, 54 trucks, and 87 other vehicles and slow-moving carts were involved in the reported crashes.

The Emergency Services Department urged road users to follow traffic regulations, wear safety gear, and exercise greater caution on roads to help reduce accidents and save lives.