At least 434 people were killed and more than 23,000 others sustained serious injuries in 43,160 road traffic accidents across Punjab during May, according to data released by the Emergency Services Department (Rescue 1122).

The statistics were presented during a monthly performance review meeting chaired by Secretary Emergency Services Department Dr Rizwan Naseer, who expressed concern over the rising number of fatalities and injuries caused by road crashes across the province.

According to the report, Lahore recorded the highest number of road accidents with 7,766 incidents, followed by Faisalabad (2,838), Multan (2,793) and Gujranwala (2,312). Lahore also topped the death toll with 38 fatalities, followed by Faisalabad with 36, Gujranwala with 26 and Rahim Yar Khan with 23 deaths.

Rescue 1122 data showed that motorcycles remained the most frequently involved vehicles in traffic accidents. In Lahore alone, 8,642 motorcycles were involved in crashes, while Faisalabad reported 3,096, Multan 3,199 and Gujranwala 2,470.

The provincial capital also reported the highest number of fire incidents, with 760 emergencies responded to during the month. Faisalabad recorded 236 fire incidents, followed by Gujranwala (167), Sheikhupura (166), Multan (163) and Sialkot (150).