Pakistan Bus Crash – Forty Killed After Overcrowded Bus Falls Into Ravine
Pakistan Bus Crash – A passenger bus carrying more people than its capacity fell into a deep rocky ravine in southwestern Pakistan early Friday, killing 40 people and leaving eight others injured, according to provincial officials. The crash occurred in Dana Sar, a remote mountainous area close to the boundary between Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
Bus reportedly lost control on remote highway
Officials said the vehicle was travelling at high speed when the driver lost control on the highway. The bus then veered off the road and plunged into the ravine, where rescue workers faced difficult conditions while reaching the wreckage.
Shahid Rind, spokesperson for the Balochistan government, said the bus had become overcrowded after it picked up passengers from another vehicle that had broken down during the journey. Authorities were still working to establish the identities of those who died in the accident.
Rescue teams work to identify victims
Emergency crews, police officers and local authorities were deployed to the scene soon after the crash was reported. The injured passengers were taken to nearby medical facilities, while officials continued recovery work in the rugged area.
The remoteness of Dana Sar and the steep terrain complicated rescue efforts. Authorities have not yet released a complete list of the victims, and investigations into the cause of the accident are expected to continue.
President offers condolences to bereaved families
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief over the deaths and extended condolences to the families of the victims. He also wished those injured a quick recovery.
The president instructed relevant departments to ensure that the injured passengers receive proper medical attention. Government officials said treatment arrangements were being monitored as rescue and identification work continued.
Balochistan government orders medical support
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti also expressed sorrow over the loss of life. In a statement, he directed officials to provide the best available medical care to the survivors.
Provincial authorities said they were coordinating with hospitals and emergency services to support the injured and assist families affected by the tragedy.
Road safety remains a major concern
Fatal traffic accidents remain a recurring concern in Pakistan, particularly on highways passing through mountainous and isolated regions. Poor road maintenance, limited enforcement of traffic rules, overloaded vehicles and unsafe driving practices are often cited as contributing factors.
The latest disaster follows another serious crash in May, when a minibus struck a bus parked along a motorway in northwestern Pakistan. That collision killed 17 people and injured five others.
The Dana Sar crash is among the country’s deadliest road tragedies in recent years, renewing concerns about passenger safety, vehicle overcrowding and road conditions in difficult terrain.