By Saleem Mubarak
LAHORE: The negligence of the sugarcane-laden tractor-trolley driver and the law enforcement agency officials led to the death of six family members, including five children, in Tandlianwala on Friday night.
The driver failed to use any lights or reflective devices, leaving motorists unaware of the parked trolley.
This tragic incident highlights the failure of district and Punjab highway police to monitor drivers who park their vehicles on the roadside to avoid dense fog.
A case has been registered against the accused driver; however, no action has been taken against the policemen tasked with patrolling the area where the accident occurred.
This situation has raised questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement in ensuring road safety in Faisalabad. The lack of action against the negligent policemen will erode public trust.
Arslan Zaheer, the applicant of the case, said that his brother Shahzeb, along with his wife Saba Shahzeb, and children: Amir Hadi (3), Rais (1), sister Rabia, wife of Muhammad Ali, residing in Gujranwala, and her children including Musa (1), Fajr (13), Umaima (4), and Taini (6), left Lahore around 6 PM on Friday to visit their aunt’s house in Chak 399-GB, Jandanwali, Tandlianwala. He said that after leaving the motorway, they were on Samundri Road when their car collided from behind with a rashly driven trolley near Chak 393-GB.
As a result, Saba, Amir Hadi, Rais, Musa, Fajr Bibi, and Umaima died on the spot, while Shahzeb, Rabia, and Niki sustained multiple injuries.
He said the trolley did not have any fog lights, reflectors, or signals, making it invisible for other motorists in the foggy night. The vehicle was overloaded with sugarcane, leaving no space for other vehicles to pass.
He said the incident took place due to the negligence and carelessness of the tractor-trolley driver, who managed to escape from the scene.
Upon being informed of this heartbreaking incident, Rescue 1122 and police officials rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to the hospital.
Tragic Incident Highlights Road Safety
This tragic incident serves as a clear indication of the critical importance of road safety and the irreparable loss caused by the negligence of drivers and the law enforcers.
Muhammad Zafar, a resident of Tandlianwala, said negligence of driver and policemen will remain etched in the memories of the grieved families forever. He said that it is the prime duty of the highway patrol police to take action against vehicles that are plying without proper illumination or signaling.
He emphasized that vehicles on the road without warning signals or reflectors will leave other motorists in the dark about the potential danger ahead.
A moment’s negligence led to a catastrophic collision, shattering the lives of an entire family, he said.
He suggested that a special campaign should be launched to impose heavy fines and other strict punishments on drivers engaged in reckless driving or using roads without properly reflecting their vehicles.
He pointed out that simply counting bodies and injuries is not a solution to this bleeding issue, we must be willing to go the extra mile to address it permanently.
