A heartrending incident occurred in Karachi’s Baldia Town on Saturday, where a four-year-old boy was fatally struck by a water tanker, adding to the city’s growing list of traffic-related tragedies.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kemari Captain Faizan stated that the unfortunate event took place as the child was playing and attempting to cross the street.

The young boy, identified as Affan, was crushed under the wheels of the speeding tanker, resulting in his immediate death. Police have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Abdul Qadir Khan, the boy’s uncle, shared with reporters that Affan had gone out to play due to a school holiday. He expressed his sorrow, stating that Affan was killed by a water tanker right in the playground.

He further mentioned that the deceased child’s father is currently employed in Dubai and that Affan was the second of three siblings.

Khan alleged that water tanker operators had illegally occupied the playground where the tragic incident occurred. He lamented the lack of safety for children even in playgrounds and noted that the tanker driver fled the scene after the incident.

This event occurs amidst a surge in traffic accidents in Karachi in recent months, with over 250 lives lost thus far this year. Alarmingly, at least 70 of these fatalities involve heavy vehicles like tankers and trailers.

The increasing number of deaths has led to significant public outcry and protests, prompting the Sindh government to enforce a daytime ban on the movement of heavy vehicles within the city.

Additionally, authorities have mandated fitness certification for such vehicles to address and reduce the escalating danger.