At least 40 people were killed and eight others injured after an overcrowded passenger bus plunged into a deep ravine in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan on Friday, making it one of the country's deadliest road accidents in recent years. The bus was travelling from Quetta to Islamabad when it lost control near the remote area of Dana Sar and veered off the highway.
According to rescue officials, there were 48 passengers on board at the time of the crash. Authorities said the vehicle was carrying not only its own passengers but also several travellers from another bus that had broken down earlier, leaving it overcrowded. Emergency teams rushed to the scene and transported the injured to hospitals in Zhob, while the bodies of the victims were moved to a district hospital for identification.
One survivor told local media that some passengers had protested after the driver stopped to pick up additional travellers. An argument reportedly broke out inside the bus moments before the vehicle lost control and plunged into the ravine. Police have not confirmed this account and said an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti also conveyed his condolences and ordered officials to provide all necessary assistance to the victims' families.
Road accidents are common in Pakistan, particularly in mountainous regions such as Balochistan, where poor road infrastructure, overloaded vehicles and inadequate enforcement of traffic regulations frequently contribute to deadly crashes. Friday's tragedy has once again highlighted the urgent need for improved road safety measures across the country.
