A minor girl injured after a speeding Suzuki rammed into an Imambargah in Karachi’s Defence Phase VI has died during treatment, while authorities have transferred the investigation into the incident to the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD).
The incident occurred on Sunday night at Imambargah Baqiatullah, located within the limits of Darakhshan Police Station, when a Suzuki vehicle allegedly lost control and crashed into the women’s section during a religious gathering. Sixteen people were injured in the incident.
Police identified the deceased as Zainera, daughter of Akram, who succumbed to her injuries at a local hospital.
A case has been registered at Darakhshan Police Station under Sections 324, 337-G, 279, 427, 109 and 34 of the Pakistan Penal Code, along with relevant provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act.
According to the FIR, the complainant alleged that the crash was intentional and may have been a rehearsal for a larger terrorist attack.
However, DIG South Asad Raza said preliminary evidence does not support that claim, adding that initial findings indicate the incident appears to have been an accident rather than terrorism.
He said medical examinations have been carried out on the vehicle’s occupants to determine whether they were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the crash.
Police said those travelling in the Suzuki are residents of Qati Pahari near Orangi Town. While investigators initially considered brake failure as a possible cause, officials said the exact circumstances would only be confirmed after the Traffic Police Road Analysis Unit completes its technical assessment.