Fog-related crash in Sargodha kills 14 as visibility remains poor across Punjab

The accident occurred when thick fog sharply reduced visibility in the Kot Momin area, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The truck plunged into the Ghala Pur Bangla canal, which was dry at the time, according to Rescue 1122 officials.

Rescue teams said the truck was carrying 23 people. Seven passengers were crushed beneath the vehicle and died on the spot.

Emergency responders reached the scene soon after the crash and launched rescue operations. Victims and the injured were pulled out of the canal and shifted to a nearby THQ hospital, where seven more people later died during treatment.

Officials said the deceased include six children and five women. The passengers were reportedly travelling to attend a funeral.

Thick fog has gripped much of Punjab, significantly reducing visibility on roads during winter mornings and nights. Authorities said poor visibility has made driving extremely dangerous and urged motorists to slow down and exercise extra caution in foggy conditions to prevent further accidents.

In a separate fog-related incident in Lahore, one man was killed and two others sustained critical injuries on Friday. Police said their motorcycle collided with a stationary tractor-trolley amid heavy fog on Gurumangat Road in the Gulberg area. As a result, M Wasi died on the spot, while Abdul Razzaq and Abdul Hadi were seriously injured.

Earlier this week, another accident linked to poor visibility was reported from Dera Ismail Khan, where two people were killed and 14 others injured in a collision between a sugar-laden trailer and a passenger van.

The accident took place near Basti Dawana, within the limits of Taunsa Sharif, on the Indus Highway. According to reports, the trailer was travelling from Rahim Yar Khan to Kohat, while the passenger van was heading from Rammak to Multan.

A tractor-trolley loaded with sugarcane was parked on the roadside, and dense fog had severely reduced visibility. As the trailer attempted to overtake the tractor-trolley, it collided with the oncoming van, resulting in the fatal crash.