# Driverless car prototype crash in Islamabad

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/driverless-car-prototype-crash-in-islamabad
> Updated: 2026-09-03T06:14:16.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

A demonstration of a remotely controlled, driverless car prototype in Islamabad, Pakistan, resulted in a collision with a parked police van. The vehicle, developed by technology enthusiast Ehsan Zafar, lost steering control due to a technical fault caused by an internet disruption during the live test at D-Chowk.

Journalist Muhammad Aalijah, who was a passenger in the vehicle, attempted to engage the handbrake but was unable to prevent the car from veering into the van. The failure was attributed to a sudden loss of both internet and satellite connectivity, which prevented the system from responding to remote commands. 

While the crash caused visible damage to both vehicles, no injuries were reported. The incident has since gone viral, prompting broader discussions regarding the safety and testing requirements for autonomous vehicle prototypes. Aalijah noted that the incident was intended to serve as a “message of caution” regarding the necessity of thorough testing for new technologies before they are deemed safe for public use.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-03: Self-driving car crashes into police van during demonstration

A self-driving car developed by Ehsan Zafar crashed into a parked police van in Pakistan during a test, reportedly due to an internet disruption that caused the vehicle to lose control.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/self-driving-car-crashes-into-police-van-during-demonstration

### 2026-09-01: Islamabad driverless car prototype crashes into police van

A remote-controlled prototype vehicle crashed into a parked police van in Islamabad, Pakistan, after an internet connectivity failure during a live demonstration.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/islamabad-driverless-car-test-ends-in-collision-with-police-van

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Cite as: Driverless car prototype crash in Islamabad. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/driverless-car-prototype-crash-in-islamabad
