Karachi, Pakistan – In a harrowing incident on Karsaz Road, a woman driving a Toyota Land Cruiser lost control and collided with multiple motorcyclists, resulting in two fatalities and three injuries on Monday. The driver, identified only as Natasha, reportedly maneuvered her SUV recklessly, causing chaos along the busy thoroughfare as she veered off the road and ultimately overturned after striking a parked car.
The lawyer representing Natasha stated to the media that his client suffers from mental health issues and was under medication at the time of the accident, raising questions about her awareness and ability to drive. “She is not even aware that she was involved in an accident,” he said, describing her mental condition as compromised.
Authorities responded to the scene where the tragic turnover took place, leading to immediate hospitalization of the injured. Two of the victims later succumbed to their injuries at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre. The identities of the deceased have not been disclosed.
Following the incident, law enforcement swiftly took action, arresting Natasha and transferring her to their investigative wing. An FIR regarding the case has been registered as officials begin to piece together the circumstances that led to the devastating event.
The incident has garnered significant attention, not least because Natasha is the wife of Danish Iqbal, chairman of Gul Ahmed Energy Limited. Surveillance footage capturing the grim moment when her vehicle impacted a motorcycle carrying a man and his daughter has circulated widely, intensifying public scrutiny.
On social media, clips of the aftermath show a visibly distressed Natasha encircled by a crowd of onlookers. In the videos, her demeanor appeared unaffected by the gravity of the incident, sparking outrage among bystanders. Tensions escalated as local residents admonished her, cautioning about the potential for violent retribution while police intervened to prevent any physical harm against her.
This case has sparked a broader conversation about mental health and driving safety. Experts suggest that rigorous assessment mechanisms for mental fitness to drive need to be considered to prevent such incidents in the future. Moreover, the event raises concerns regarding the response of individuals with known health issues accessing and operating vehicles, pointing to potential gaps in the regulatory framework.
As the investigation continues, officials aim to determine the full sequence of events and evaluate the existing protocols surrounding individuals with mental health challenges who are licensed to drive. The community and families affected await justice and measures that could prevent such incidents, highlighting a critical intersection of health policy and public safety.