Pre-Eid Travel Rush Causes 30% Surge in Road Accident Fatalities and Injuries Across Punjab
LAHORE – Punjab has witnessed approximately a 30 percent increase in fatalities and injuries from road accidents over the last two days as large numbers of people headed to their hometowns to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha, official figures revealed.
The mass movement has also resulted in severe congestion at bus stands across Lahore, including Lorry Adda, Niazi Adda, Babu Sabu, Shahdara (Bhati Chowk), and Thokar Niaz Beg, where passengers faced overloading and overcharging issues.
According to data released by the Punjab Emergency Service Department (Rescue 1122), the department responded to 1,725 road traffic crashes (RTCs) across all 37 districts of Punjab during the last 24 hours. In these accidents, 10 people died while 2,062 were injured. Of these, 900 seriously injured individuals were shifted to hospitals, while 1,124 with minor injuries were treated on the spot by rescue medical teams.
Comparing these figures with Monday’s data, the department had responded to 1,427 RTCs, in which eight people died and 1,705 were injured across the province.
Further details of Tuesday’s accidents showed that a majority — 79 percent — involved motorcycles, suggesting that effective enforcement of traffic laws and lane discipline are essential to reducing road accidents.
The analysis revealed that 1,198 drivers, 76 underage drivers, 195 pedestrians, and 641 passengers were among the victims. Lahore reported the highest number with 413 RTCs affecting 519 persons, followed by Multan with 125 and Faisalabad with 123 injured persons.
Out of the total 2,072 injured, 1,748 were males and 324 were females. The age group analysis showed that 431 were under 18 years, 1,035 were between 18 and 40 years, and 568 were above 40 years.
The vehicles involved included 1,809 motorbikes, 148 auto-rickshaws, 168 cars, 55 vans, 17 passenger buses, 51 trucks, and 112 other vehicles and slow-moving carts.
Following the situation, Rescue 1122 Secretary Dr Rizwan Naseer reviewed district emergency plans for strict enforcement. He stated that Rescue 1122 will remain on high alert in all tehsils to ensure timely ambulance, rescue, water, and fire services across Punjab during the Eid holidays.
He directed all District Emergency Officers (DEOs) to ensure foolproof arrangements for timely emergency services and maintain close coordination with district and tehsil headquarters hospitals for effective victim management.
During a meeting, DEOs briefed the secretary on preparedness and implementation strategies, highlighting major challenges and coordination measures. The operations head informed that over 12,000 rescuers will be deployed during Eid in three shifts at more than 1,000 key points across Punjab.
A total of 2,300 rescue motorbikes, 896 emergency ambulances, and 316 fire vehicles will be deployed in all districts. Special rescue posts will also be established at major Eid prayer venues to provide optimum emergency coverage.
The Provincial Emergency Operation Centre at Emergency Services Headquarters will remain operational round-the-clock for monitoring and implementation of district emergency plans.
Dr Rizwan Naseer appealed to citizens to drive carefully while traveling to their hometowns and avoid sudden overeating to prevent choking, food poisoning, and gastroenteritis emergencies. He urged safety precautions at water recreational sites and advised against entering water or boats without life jackets. He also appealed to young motorcyclists to refrain from dangerous stunts such as wheelies
