At least 40 people were killed and 11 others injured when a passenger bus plunged into a deep ravine in Balochistan, Pakistan, on Friday. The overcrowded bus, traveling from Quetta to Peshawar, reportedly lost control and veered off the road, according to police.
Details of the Fatal Bus Accident
The tragic incident occurred in the mountainous Dana Sar area, where the bus fell approximately 70 to 80 feet into a ravine. Emergency services faced significant challenges reaching the wreckage due to the rugged terrain. Sanaullah Sherani, head of the emergency center in Zhob, confirmed the casualties and stated that the bus was carrying 48 passengers, many of whom had transferred from a broken-down vehicle.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the bus was likely speeding, contributing to the loss of control. Shahid Rind, a spokesperson for the Balochistan government, highlighted that the vehicle was overcrowded, having picked up additional passengers from another bus.
Rescue Operations and Challenges
Rescue teams utilized cutters and machinery to extract victims from the wreckage. Initial rescue efforts were hampered by the difficult access to the crash site, as the area is known for its challenging landscape. Those injured in the crash were transported to nearby hospitals, with some reported to be in critical condition.
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims and emphasized the need for improved safety measures on public transport.
Investigation Launched into the Crash
An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the precise cause of the accident. Authorities will examine factors such as the bus's condition, driver behavior, and adherence to safety regulations. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding transportation safety in Pakistan, where bus accidents are not uncommon due to factors like overcrowding and poor road conditions.
- Casualties: 40 dead, 11 injured
- Location: Dana Sar, Balochistan
- Bus passengers: 48
- Height of fall: 70-80 feet
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by DW English. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
