At least 40 people were killed when a passenger bus plunged into a deep ravine in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province. Eight others were injured in the incident. The accident occurred today, Friday, shortly after the bus crossed from Balochistan’s Sherani district into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Shahid Rind, the media and political affairs assistant to the Chief Minister of Balochistan, stated that preliminary information indicates at least 40 people died and eight were injured.
The statement noted that a rescue operation was launched immediately following the accident on the orders of Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti. District administrations, rescue workers, and relevant agencies from both Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are jointly participating in the rescue efforts. An investigation will also be conducted to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Sherani Deputy Commissioner Wali Khan Kakar said the bus had departed from Quetta with 36 passengers. However, some passengers from another bus that had broken down en route also boarded it, leading to initial confusion regarding the total number of people on board.
Meanwhile, a statement from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s ‘Rescue 1122’ service indicated that there were a total of 48 passengers on the bus at the time of the accident.
Upon receiving news of the accident, teams from the Zhob emergency services and Rescue 1122 quickly arrived at the scene and began rescue operations. The eight injured individuals have been admitted to the Zhob District Headquarters Hospital. Although the bodies were initially taken to a nearby rural health center, they were later transferred to the Zhob District Headquarters Hospital. Authorities stated that the rescue operation is still ongoing.
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep grief over the accident. He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. He also directed the relevant authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured.
In a message posted on the social media platform X, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti also offered his condolences to the families of the victims. He stated that instructions had been issued to intensify rescue efforts, ensure optimal medical treatment for the injured, and provide support to the affected families. He further stated that the Balochistan government stands by the families affected by the accident during this difficult time.
