A fire broke out on a coal-loaded truck on the Quetta Highway, injuring 16 people and causing panic among motorists.
The incident occurred when the truck, reportedly transporting coal from a nearby mining area, caught fire due to unknown reasons.
Rescue teams and firefighters rushed to the scene after emergency calls, managing to extinguish the flames before the situation worsened.
The injured were quickly transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention, with several sustaining burn injuries and smoke inhalation.
Authorities say the fire spread rapidly because of the flammable nature of coal, increasing the risk to nearby vehicles and passengers.
Witnesses reported scenes of chaos as people tried to evacuate the area and assist those trapped near the truck.
Police and highway officials cordoned off the area to prevent further accidents and allowed traffic to resume after the fire was controlled.
Investigators have launched an inquiry into the cause of the blaze, examining mechanical faults, driver error, or other potential safety violations.
Local authorities urged truck operators to follow strict safety protocols, including regular vehicle inspections and proper handling of flammable cargo.
They emphasized that public safety must be prioritised, especially on busy highways where accidents can escalate quickly.
Emergency responders praised the timely intervention of firefighters and local volunteers, saying quick action prevented a larger disaster.
Authorities also assured the public that steps would be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This incident has raised concerns about the safety standards of transporting coal and other combustible materials on highways.
Regulatory bodies may consider stricter enforcement of transport safety rules to reduce the risk of such accidents.
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