RAWALPINDI: At least 10 people were killed and 13 were injured when a fire broke out in a van after it fell into a nullah while taking a turn on the Islamabad-Murree Expressway near Khajut on Wednesday, the National Highways & Motorway Police (NHMP) said.

“The victims are from the same family and were travelling from Multan to Murree,” the NHMP said in a statement. A list of victims issued by the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) in Islamabad confirmed the death toll as well.

The bodies of the 10 deceased have been dispatched from PIMS Hospital to Multan.

According to the preliminary police investigation, the ill-fated passenger wagon carrying 23 people veered off the road while negotiating a sharp turn and was engulfed in flames after colliding with a roadside wall.

The wall collision prevented the passengers from disembarking due to the doors closing, resulting in at least 10 deaths, including five children, and injuries to 13 others.

The bodies and the injured were taken to Pims. Some of the injured who sustained burns and multiple injuries were stated to be in critical condition.

The NHMP said the Hiace van had fallen in such a manner that it was not possible for the passengers to open its door.

It added that relief and rescue efforts were initiated after contingents of the motorway police and the district administration reached the site.

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of life, extending his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the affected families.

“I share the grief of the families of the deceased in the accident,” Sadiq said.

The speaker prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured, as well as for the forgiveness of the deceased and patience for the bereaved families. He directed the concerned authorities to provide the best medical facilities to the injured.

Last month, a heavy rush was reported on the Murree Expressway as traffic from the Murree Road was diverted there due to reconstruction work.

Additional input from Ikram Junaidi