ZHOB: At least 40 people, including women and children, were killed after a passenger bus plunged into a ravine in the Danasar area of Zhob, Balochistan, following a suspected brake failure, officials said.
According to police, the accident occurred after the bus reportedly lost its brakes. Several passengers were killed on the spot, while the injured, including women and children, were shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital for treatment.
Balochistan Chief Minister’s Adviser on Media Shahid Rind said authorities had confirmed 40 deaths, while eight others were injured in the crash.
He said the accident occurred near the border between Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, adding that rescue operations were underway with the assistance of teams from both provincial governments.
Rind said the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Health Department, Frontier Corps (FC) and other relevant agencies had been mobilised to respond to the emergency. He also thanked the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for extending immediate assistance during the rescue operation.
According to preliminary information, the bus was carrying passengers beyond its seating capacity. Rind said travellers from another bus that had broken down earlier had also boarded the ill-fated vehicle.
The provincial government has ordered an inquiry into the causes and circumstances of the accident, directing the transport secretary to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
Rind said the transport secretary had been instructed to verify all facts and submit a detailed report, adding that every aspect of the incident would be examined impartially and that no negligence or laxity would be tolerated.
He said the district administration and other authorities were reviewing the incident to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Authorities are also working to identify those killed and ensure proper medical treatment for the injured. Rind said the Balochistan government shared the grief of the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
He added that the findings of the investigation would be made public upon completion.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep grief over the tragedy and prayed for the eternal peace of those who lost their lives.
The president directed the relevant authorities to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical treatment and all necessary healthcare facilities.
He said the entire nation stood with the bereaved families and shared their grief over the devastating accident.
