A tragic road accident near the Shell Pump underpass in Multan claimed the life of a 35-year-old man on Friday, once again highlighting the growing concerns over road safety and unsafe travel practices involving heavy vehicles across the city.
According to rescue officials, the victim, identified as Muhammad Ajmal, reportedly slipped from the mudguard of a tractor-trolley, fell under the moving vehicle, and died on the spot due to severe injuries. Despite the prompt response by rescue teams, Ajmal could not survive the impact.
The heartbreaking incident has left the local community in shock and raised serious questions about road safety awareness, particularly for laborers and passengers who rely on unsafe transport methods.
🚨 What Happened: A Fatal Moment on a Busy Road
The accident occurred near the Shell Pump underpass, an area known for frequent traffic movement, including heavy vehicles such as tractor-trolleys, trucks, and loaders. Witnesses reported that Muhammad Ajmal was riding on the mudguard of the tractor-trolley, a practice commonly seen in both urban and rural areas despite its obvious risks.
As the vehicle moved through the underpass, Ajmal reportedly lost balance, slipped, and was dragged under the trolley. The impact proved fatal, and he succumbed to his injuries instantly.
Rescue teams arrived shortly after receiving information, shifted the body to a nearby hospital for legal formalities, and later handed it over to the bereaved family.
🏥 Rescue Response and Aftermath
Rescue officials confirmed that they reached the scene promptly after the incident was reported. However, due to the severity of the injuries, there was no chance of survival.
After completing the necessary medico-legal procedures at the hospital, the body was released to the family. The sudden loss has left relatives devastated, mourning a life cut short under tragic circumstances.
Authorities have not reported any arrests so far, and investigations into the accident are ongoing.
🧍 Who Was Muhammad Ajmal?
Muhammad Ajmal, aged 35, was reportedly a working-class individual, like many others in Multan who rely on daily labor and informal transport to earn a living. Such individuals often travel on tractors, trolleys, or goods vehicles due to limited public transport options or financial constraints.
Ajmal’s death underscores the harsh reality faced by many workers who risk their lives daily by using unsafe means of transportation.
⚠️ The Dangerous Practice of Riding on Mudguards
Riding on the mudguard of tractor-trolleys is an extremely dangerous and illegal practice, yet it remains widespread in many parts of Punjab, including Multan.
Mudguards are not designed to carry passengers. They lack:
- Proper seating
- Handholds
- Safety barriers
- Balance support
A minor jerk, sudden brake, or uneven road can cause a person to lose balance — often with fatal consequences.
Despite repeated warnings from traffic authorities, the practice continues due to lack of enforcement, public awareness, and economic pressures.
🚜 Tractor-Trolley Accidents: A Growing Concern
Accidents involving tractor-trolleys are not uncommon in Multan and surrounding districts. These vehicles are primarily meant for agricultural use but are often used to transport people, goods, and construction material within the city.
Key risk factors include:
- Overloading
- Carrying passengers illegally
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Lack of safety training for drivers
- Inadequate traffic monitoring
Such accidents frequently result in severe injuries or fatalities, especially when passengers fall under heavy wheels.
🛣️ Road Safety Challenges in Multan
Multan’s expanding road network and increasing traffic volume have made road safety a major challenge. Underpasses, highways, and link roads witness constant movement of heavy vehicles, motorcycles, rickshaws, and pedestrians.
Experts say that underpasses are particularly dangerous zones, as limited visibility, speed changes, and narrow lanes increase the risk of accidents.
Without strict adherence to traffic laws and proper safety awareness, such incidents are likely to continue.
🗣️ Calls for Stronger Enforcement and Awareness
Following the incident, citizens and road safety advocates have once again called for:
- Strict enforcement against carrying passengers on tractor-trolleys
- Regular vehicle fitness checks
- Public awareness campaigns targeting laborers and drivers
- Availability of safe and affordable transport options
They stress that tragedies like Ajmal’s death are preventable, not unavoidable.
👮 Role of Traffic Police and Authorities
Traffic police have repeatedly warned drivers against unsafe practices, but enforcement often remains inconsistent. Experts suggest that:
- Dedicated monitoring of heavy vehicles is required
- Fines and penalties should be enforced without exceptions
- Drivers should receive proper training and licensing
- Employers must ensure safe transport for workers
Authorities are urged to treat such incidents as a public safety emergency, rather than isolated accidents.
👨👩👧 A Family’s Irreplaceable Loss
Beyond statistics and reports, the tragedy represents a family’s irreparable loss. Muhammad Ajmal’s death has deprived his loved ones of a son, husband, or father — a reminder that every road accident impacts lives far beyond the crash site.
For many families, the loss of a breadwinner brings emotional trauma along with financial hardship.
📝 Lessons That Must Not Be Ignored
This incident should serve as a wake-up call for:
- Drivers to refuse carrying passengers in unsafe conditions
- Passengers to avoid risky travel methods, even when options are limited
- Authorities to strengthen enforcement and awareness
- Communities to prioritize safety over convenience
No journey is worth a human life.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Muhammad Ajmal near the Shell Pump underpass in Multan is a painful reminder of the dangers posed by unsafe travel practices involving tractor-trolleys and heavy vehicles. While rescue teams responded swiftly, the accident highlights systemic issues that demand urgent attention.
Preventing such tragedies requires collective responsibility — from authorities enforcing laws, drivers following safety rules, and citizens making safer choices.
As Multan continues to grow, ensuring safer roads must remain a top priority — so that no family has to endure such an avoidable loss again.
