The ill-fated bus was en route from Quetta to Peshawar when the driver lost control in the rugged terrain, marking one of the deadliest road accidents in the region in recent years. Rescue teams faced significant challenges navigating the steep landscape to reach the wreckage.
Overcrowding Amplified the Casualty Count
Shahid Rind, spokesperson for the Balochistan chief minister, confirmed that the death toll had climbed to 40. He noted that the vehicle was carrying an unusually high number of passengers, as it had picked up travelers from another bus that had broken down earlier along the route.
“The bus was carrying not only its own passengers but also passengers from another bus that had malfunctioned during the journey,” Rind said, explaining the high occupancy that contributed to the devastating outcome.
Difficult Rescue Operations Underway
Deputy Commissioner Sherani Wali Kakar stated that the crash site’s inaccessible location in the Dana Sar mountains severely hampered initial rescue efforts. Despite the difficult terrain, recovery teams continued evacuation operations throughout the day, transferring the injured to nearby medical facilities.
National Response and Condolences
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep grief over the tragedy on the Zhob-Sherani Highway. directed relevant authorities to ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical treatment and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.
Road accidents are common in Pakistan, often attributed to poorly maintained vehicles, dangerous mountain roads, and lax safety enforcement. This incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding passenger safety on intercity routes traversing the country’s perilous northern and western terrains.
