Another dumper crushes Karachite, 10 vehicles set ablaze in retaliation
A violent protest erupted at Nagan Chowrangi, Karachi, late Wednesday night after a dumper truck ran over a motorcyclist during a demonstration, sparking chaos that led to the torching of at least nine heavy vehicles.
The unrest began when a high-speed dumper truck allegedly struck a motorcycle near Nagan Chowrangi, severely injuring the rider.
The area was already tense due to an ongoing protest against dumpers causing accidents in the area. Matters escalated when a dumper driver, trapped in the ensuing traffic jam, attempted to flee by driving recklessly through the crowd, hitting multiple vehicles in the process.
Footage from the scene showed the dumper crushing a motorcycle before speeding away. Witnesses said enraged protestors chased the truck for several kilometers in a dramatic pursuit reminiscent of a film scene. The mob eventually surrounded the vehicle near Norani Hotel in Manghopir and severely beat the driver.
Police intervened just in time to save the driver, identified as Nizamullah, and secure the dumper. Authorities confirmed he sustained injuries and was taken into custody.
Vehicles torched across city
Following the incident, protesters set five dumpers on fire at Powerhouse Chowrangi and torched four water tankers near Four K Chowrangi and Baba Mor. The fire brigade responded quickly and managed to extinguish the flames before they could spread further.
Eyewitnesses reported that the initial collision and the dumper’s reckless escape were the primary triggers of the violent backlash.
Dumper drivers retaliate with highway blockade
In reaction to the torching of their vehicles, dumper drivers staged a counter-protest at Sohrab Goth. They blocked the Super Highway (Motorway M-9) using debris and heavy machinery, bringing traffic to a halt and causing long queues of heavy vehicles.
Liaqat Mehsud, President of the Dumper Association, arrived at the scene and condemned the attacks on their vehicles. He demanded the immediate arrest of those involved in the arson.
Law enforcement response and political reaction
As tensions rose, a heavy police contingent was deployed to North Karachi’s Powerhouse area. Acting on the instructions of SSP Central Zeeshan Shafiq Siddiqui, police launched raids in surrounding areas and arrested several individuals allegedly involved in the violence.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori expressed concern over the incident, acknowledging public anger over deadly dumper accidents but urging citizens to remain peaceful and uphold the rule of law. Similarly, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar ordered a swift investigation and directed authorities to arrest the culprits.
Situation under control
After successful negotiations between police and protestors, the demonstrations were called off and the crowd dispersed peacefully. Police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing and further arrests are expected.
