Deadly Bus Plunge Near Balochistan-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Border Claims 40 Lives

A passenger bus carrying 48 travelers fell into a ravine near the Balochistan-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border early Friday, killing at least 40 people and injuring eight others, officials confirmed. The accident occurred as the Peshawar-bound vehicle crossed from Balochistan’s Sherani district into Dera Ismail Khan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with initial reports citing initial reports from Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti’s media aide, Shahid Rind.

Rescue teams from both provinces and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Rescue 1122 launched immediate operations following directives from Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti. District administrations and emergency services coordinated efforts to recover bodies and transport the injured. “Relief and rescue teams from Zhob emergency services and Rescue 1122 arrived promptly to the scene,” stated Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Emergency Management Agency. Eight injured passengers were taken to District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) in Zhob, while remains were initially held at a rural health center before being moved to the same facility.

Balochistan Deputy Commissioner Wali Khan Kakar clarified that the bus originated from Quetta with 36 passengers but likely picked up additional travelers en route from a disabled vehicle. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine exact circumstances and prevent future risks.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the tragedy, expressing grief over the loss of lives via state-run ANI. President Asif Ali Zardari echoed condolences, emphasizing national solidarity with victims’ families and directing medical departments to prioritize care for the injured. Balochistan CM Bugti personally urged expedited rescue efforts and immediate medical attention for survivors, stating, “Our government stands firmly with affected families during this crisis.”

This tragedy marks a second major accident in the region within months. In late February, a vehicle collapse in Dera Ismail Khan’s Lower Dir district killed three women and injured two, while a March 31 skid in Upper Chitral left three dead, including a child. Subsequent reports by Saleem Shahid underscore persistent road safety challenges in the area.

Source link