LAHORE: Five people, including two pedestrians, were killed and a child injured after a speeding car lost control and crashed into a tree on Lahore’s Canal Road early Saturday morning, police said.

The accident occurred around 6am in the Harbanspura area. According to an eyewitness, the car was travelling at high speed and moving in a zigzag manner before hitting two pedestrians and crashing into a tree.

Three young men travelling in the car and the two pedestrians died on the spot, while another child inside the vehicle sustained injuries.

The families of Abdul Rehman and Muzammil, who were among those struck by the vehicle, said the two men had gone out for their morning walk.

“One was my son and the other was my student. I received a phone call and learned about the accident,” said Muhammad Siddiq, father of one of the victims.

Police said the three young men killed in the car belonged to the same family and had taken the vehicle without informing their family.

SSP Traffic City Zone Maqsood Lone said overspeeding caused the accident and claimed five lives.

Meanwhile, Lahore City Traffic Police launched a crackdown on reckless drivers, underage motorists and youngsters performing dangerous stunts during Independence Day celebrations.

According to a traffic police spokesperson, motorcycles of more than 3,000 underage drivers and revellers were impounded during the two-day operation.

Five cases were registered at different police stations against individuals involved in one-wheeling, while another five cases were filed over speeding, dangerous stunts and road blockages.

Traffic police also registered two cases against car drifters.

During Independence Day celebrations, 666 challans were issued for violating one-way traffic rules, while 614 were issued for triple riding, the spokesperson said.

Action was also taken against 3,351 motorcyclists for riding without helmets.