Motorway Police Rescue 11 Children From Burning Van

The Motorway Police rescue of 11 children and all other passengers from a burning van on the M3 Motorway near Sharaqpur ended without a single injury, after officers reached the scene within minutes of the alarm. ProPakistani reported the rescue.

The National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) pulled the passengers, including women and children, out of the Hiace van after it caught fire due to a short circuit. The van was travelling from Lahore to Multan when the fire broke out.

According to Syed Imran Ahmed, spokesperson for the NHMP Central Region, officers reached the scene immediately after receiving the report. They safely moved all passengers and children out of the burning van and then shifted them to a safe place.

All passengers remained safe, and no lives were lost. The spokesperson said the timely action of the Motorway Police prevented a major tragedy, and officers carried out the necessary relief work after the rescue.

How the Motorway Police rescue unfolded

The van caught fire on the M3 near Sharaqpur, a town on the motorway between Lahore and Multan. The fire started in the vehicle’s electrical system, and the flames spread fast enough to engulf the front of the van.

Motorway Police officers on patrol in the area received the report and moved at once. They reached the van while it was still burning, opened the doors, and guided the passengers out one by one. Eleven children were among those rescued, along with women and other adult passengers.

The officers then moved everyone away from the vehicle and to a safe place on the roadside. Fire from a burning vehicle can spread to the fuel tank, so keeping passengers clear of the van was the first priority. Once the passengers were safe, the officers dealt with the fire and the traffic around the scene.

Why vehicle fires spread so fast

A short circuit is one of the common causes of vehicle fires. Damaged wiring, loose connections and ageing electrical parts can spark, and the spark can ignite fuel, oil or plastic fittings nearby. Once a fire takes hold in the engine bay, it can reach the passenger cabin within minutes.

The risk is higher in older vehicles and in vans carrying many passengers, where a single exit can slow an evacuation. That is why the quick response on the M3 mattered. The passengers were out before the fire could trap anyone inside.

Drivers who notice smoke or a burning smell should pull over at once, switch off the engine, move all passengers away from the vehicle, and call for help. Opening the bonnet can feed the fire with air, so it is safer to stand clear and wait for trained help.

A rescue on a busy corridor

The M3 is a busy link between Lahore and Multan, and it carries a heavy flow of passenger vans, buses and freight. The Motorway Police patrol the route around the clock, and their posts along the motorway are placed so that help can reach an incident quickly.

The force also deals with regular closures on the same stretch. Fog has forced the closure of the M3 between Faizpur and Jaranwala this month, and officers manage diversions and stranded traffic when visibility drops.

Pakistan’s roads have seen a series of serious crashes in recent weeks. A family van fell into a ravine near Murree, a crash in Uthal claimed 15 lives, and a bus accident in Rajanpur killed 10 people. Against that record, a rescue in which every passenger walked away stands out.

The government has also moved to raise the cost of dangerous driving, with higher fines for vehicle overloading among the measures aimed at cutting crashes on national highways and motorways.

What happens next

The burnt van will be inspected to confirm the cause of the fire, and the passengers will continue their journey once transport is arranged. No injuries were reported, so no hospital treatment was needed.

The incident is a reminder for van operators to check wiring, brakes and fuel lines before long trips, and to keep a fire extinguisher within reach of the driver. For passengers, it is a reminder to note the exits when boarding a van and to stay calm if an alarm is raised.

Frequently asked questions

How many children were rescued from the burning van?

Eleven children were rescued, along with all other passengers, including women. No one was hurt.

Where did the van catch fire?

The Hiace van caught fire on the M3 Motorway near Sharaqpur, while travelling from Lahore to Multan.

What caused the fire?

The van caught fire due to a short circuit, according to the Motorway Police spokesperson for the Central Region, Syed Imran Ahmed.

Who carried out the rescue?

Officers of the National Highways and Motorway Police reached the scene immediately after the report and pulled all passengers out of the burning van.

What should passengers do if a vehicle catches fire?

Move away from the vehicle at once, keep clear of the fuel tank, and call for help. Do not open the bonnet, as that can feed the fire with air.