At least 12 killed in Karak accident

At least 12 people were killed and 13 others injured when a 22-wheeler lorry lost control and collided with multiple vehicles at Ambiri Kala Chowk on the Indus Highway in Karak, local authorities reported on Saturday.

Deputy Commissioner Karak confirmed that the crash was caused by a brake failure. Emergency responders are still working to pull bodies and survivors from the wreckage, with a passenger bus crushed beneath the lorry. Hospitals in the area have been placed on red alert due to the severity of the incident.

Police expressed concerns that the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue. A passenger coach remains trapped under the lorry, delaying efforts to assess the full extent of the tragedy.

The lorry driver, identified as Samiullah from Lakki Marwat district, was injured and is currently under arrest at a local hospital.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has taken notice of the incident and instructed health authorities to provide urgent medical assistance to the injured. He also directed the Pakistan Red Crescent to intensify relief operations at the crash site.

In a statement, the governor urged locals to assist in the relief efforts and donate blood to address the rising demand.

While traffic on the main highway has been restored, police reported that the crash site remains partially cordoned off.