In a tragic series of events on Sunday, at least 35 people lost their lives in two separate bus accidents in Pakistan. The accidents occurred in different regions, highlighting the perilous conditions often faced by travelers in the country.
First Accident: Bus Falls into Ravine
The first incident took place near Azad Pattan, a town on the border between Punjab province and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. A bus carrying 23 passengers plunged into a ravine, resulting in the immediate death of all those on board. Rescue efforts were conducted at the crash site, where 23 bodies were recovered by local authorities. Sameena Khan, head of the Tehsil Headquarter Hospital in Kahuta, confirmed the casualties. The incident has deeply affected families, with Tara Zafar mourning the loss of her father, sister, and one-year-old nephew.
Second Accident: Bus Crashes on Makran Coastal Highway
In a separate accident, 12 people were killed when a bus veered off the Makran Coastal Highway in Balochistan and fell into a ravine. This bus was reportedly carrying pilgrims who had been turned back from the Iran border due to issues with their documents. According to police official Aslam Bangulzai, the driver was speeding on a particularly treacherous stretch of road. An army crane was dispatched to help lift the bus and search for any additional victims who might be pinned beneath the wreckage.
Background and Impact
The accidents underscore the ongoing issue of road safety in Pakistan, where inadequate safety measures, poor driver training, and decrepit infrastructure contribute to frequent fatalities. The country has experienced similar tragedies before, including a recent incident where 28 Pakistani pilgrims died in a bus crash in Iran. That accident, involving a bus bound for the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Iraq, resulted in the vehicle overturning and catching fire.
Sources By Agencies
