Man killed as tree falls on passenger van during rain

TIMERGARA: One person was killed and another sustained injuries when an old tree fell on a passenger van during heavy rain coupled with hailstorm in Lower Dir here on Tuesday.

The vehicle was parked on the main road at Talaash Sarai Payeen area.The deceased was identified as Muhammad Hayat, son of Taza Gul, hailing from Akhgram village in Upper Dir.

Rescue 1122 officials rushed to the spot and shifted Muhammad Hayat to nearby hospital but he succumbed to his injuries.A local tube-well operator Amjad Ali told reporters that two weeks ago he had submitted an application to the relevant authorities requesting for removal of the vulnerable old tree, but to no avail.

The locals staged a strong protest against the negligence of the authorities and demanded immediate action against those responsible. The heavy rain and hailstorm damaged tomato crops in different areas of the district, especially in Talash. The heavy rain also affected traffic flow and suspended power supply in several areas.