Overcrowded bus plunges into ravine in Pakistan, killing 40 passengers and injuring 8
QUETTA, Pakistan —
A speeding, overcrowded passenger bus plunged from a highway into a rocky ravine in southwestern Pakistan early Friday, resulting in the tragic loss of 40 lives and leaving eight others injured in one of the most devastating road accidents in recent memory, as reported by officials.
The bus lost control and tumbled into the ravine in Dana Sar, a secluded area near the boundary of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, according to Shahid Rind, a spokesperson for the Balochistan government.
Rind mentioned that the bus was not only carrying its own passengers but also individuals from another bus that had broken down, causing the vehicle to be overcrowded. Rescuers are currently engaged in the task of identifying the deceased from the crash.
President Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan expressed deep sorrow over the bus accident, extending his condolences to the bereaved families and wishing the injured a swift recovery. He instructed the relevant authorities to ensure that the injured receive the best available medical attention.
In a separate statement, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti also conveyed his sadness at the loss of lives and directed authorities to guarantee the injured individuals receive optimal medical care.
Road accidents are unfortunately common in Pakistan due to substandard road conditions, insufficient enforcement of traffic regulations, and dangerous driving behaviors, particularly in hilly terrains.
In a similar incident in May, a minibus collided with a stationary bus along a motorway in northwest Pakistan, claiming the lives of 17 individuals and injuring five others.
