Two employees of the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) Timergara lost their lives when a tractor-trolley carrying construction blocks veered off the road and plunged into a ravine near the Timergara Vegetable Market on Saturday. The incident triggered widespread protests from relatives and local residents, who accused hospital staff of delaying emergency medical treatment.
Accident Details and Victims
According to eyewitnesses, the driver lost control of the tractor-trolley after it struck a parked vehicle, causing it to careen off the road and fall into a deep ravine. The two TMA workers, identified as Salahuddin (also known as Raja) and Waqar Maseh, sustained critical injuries in the crash. They were immediately rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital in Timergara for medical attention.
Hospital sources confirmed that both men later succumbed to their injuries despite efforts to save them. The deaths of the two municipal employees have left their families and colleagues in shock and grief.
Protests Over Alleged Medical Negligence
Following the tragic incident, relatives of the victims and local residents blocked the Timergara–Dir Road outside the hospital, accusing doctors and nursing staff of negligence. The protesters claimed that the injured workers had arrived at the hospital alive but did not receive timely medical attention. They demanded an investigation into the matter and action against those found responsible for any delay in treatment.
The blockade caused significant disruption to traffic on the main road, with vehicles stranded for hours as tensions escalated.
Resolution Through Negotiations
To defuse the situation, negotiations were held at the hospital between former provincial minister Mahmood Zeb, local leader Shahab Atmani, and district administration officials. The authorities assured the protesters that a thorough investigation would be conducted into both the road accident and the allegations of medical negligence.
Following these assurances, the protesters dispersed peacefully and reopened the Timergara–Dir Road, restoring normal traffic flow. The district administration has launched separate inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the accident and the claims of delayed medical care.
Official Response and Ongoing Investigations
Authorities have confirmed that they are investigating the cause of the tractor-trolley accident, including whether mechanical failure or driver error played a role. Simultaneously, a probe into the hospital's response is underway, with officials reviewing medical records and interviewing staff to determine if any negligence occurred.
The incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about road safety and emergency medical services in the region. Local residents have called for improved safety measures on roads and better training for hospital staff to handle trauma cases promptly.
