Dense Fog Claims 14 Lives in Sargodha Truck Crash

A tragic road accident in Punjab’s Sargodha district claimed the lives of at least 14 people early Saturday morning. 

The victims, including women and children, were traveling to a funeral when their truck swerved off the Galapur Bangla bridge and fell into a canal. Rescue officials have identified dense fog and poor visibility as the primary causes of the crash.

Motorway Closure Forced Truck Onto Local Road

The truck was carrying 23 passengers from Islamabad to Faisalabad. According to Rescue 1122 officials, the group was forced to take a local route through the Kot Momin tehsil because the main motorway had been closed due to hazardous weather conditions.

While navigating the local roads in heavy fog, the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle due to zero visibility. The truck skidded off the bridge and overturned into the canal below.

Rescue Operations and Casualties

Emergency teams received the distress call at 1:48 am on January 17, 2025, and launched a rescue operation. 

Although the canal was dry at the time, the situation was dire as passengers were trapped and crushed beneath the overturned cargo truck.

The crash resulted in 14 confirmed deaths. Among the deceased were six children and five women. Rescue workers successfully pulled the survivors from the wreckage, providing first aid on the spot before transporting them to the Civil Hospital in Kot Momin for further treatment.

The bodies of the deceased were also moved to the same facility.

Second Major Road Tragedy This Month

Dense winter fog has repeatedly disrupted traffic and claimed lives across Punjab. This incident is the second major road tragedy reported in the region this month.

Earlier this month, DAWN reported that 5 passengers lost their lives while 24 others were injured after a bus plunged into a ravine in Punjab’s Talagang district due to the dense fog.

Driving in Dense Fog: Critical Safety Tips

Dense fog severely reduces visibility and reaction time, making even familiar roads dangerous. To avoid fatal accidents, drivers must take extra precautions, some of them are:

• If visibility drops to near zero, stop driving and park off the road; do not continue blindly.
• Use low-beam headlights only; high beams reduce visibility.
  
• Slow to a speed where you can stop within a visible distance—not the speed limit.
• Do not overtake or change lanes; oncoming vehicles may appear suddenly.
• Never stop on bridges or highways; exit the road if you must stop.