Islamabad, Pakistan – In a tragic accident that has shaken Pakistan, at least 40 people were killed and eight others seriously injured when a passenger bus plunged into a deep ravine in the Sherani district of Balochistan province in the southwest of the country. The accident occurred as the bus was traveling from Quetta to Dera Ismail Khan.
Details of the horrific accident
According to initial reports from local authorities, the bus had departed Quetta with 36 passengers. However, the number rose to 48 after passengers boarded from another bus that had broken down mid-journey. Shortly after crossing the border between Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, the driver lost control near the Danasar area. The bus then plunged down a steep embankment. Wali Khan Kakar, Deputy Commissioner of Shirani District, confirmed the accident. KP Rescue 1122 reported that emergency teams from Zob and surrounding areas rushed to the scene immediately after receiving the reports. Search and rescue operations were launched in the rugged terrain.
Mobilization of rescue efforts
Shahid Rand, Assistant to the Chief Minister of Balochistan for Information Affairs, explained that rescue teams from both Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces are working in close coordination under the directives of Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti. He added that the eight injured were rushed to the main district hospital in Zob for treatment. The bodies of the deceased were taken to nearby health centers before being transferred to the hospital for identification and handover to their families. Rand confirmed that the government has launched an immediate and comprehensive investigation to uncover the circumstances of the accident and determine the precise causes of this tragic loss of life. He also emphasized the authorities’ commitment to ensuring safety measures on the highways connecting the provinces.
Official condolences
On the official level, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his deep sadness and regret for this tragedy. In a statement issued by the presidency, the president offered his deep condolences to the families of the victims, calling for a speedy recovery for the injured. Zardari also directed the relevant medical departments to provide all possible forms of health care to the injured, stressing that “the entire Pakistani nation shares the grief of the affected families in this difficult time.” It is noteworthy that road accidents in the mountainous areas of Pakistan remain a constant source of concern. The difficult terrain and poor condition of some vehicles contribute to the frequent occurrence of such painful disasters.
