Pakistan: 40 killed as overcrowded bus plunges into ravine in Balochistan

At least 40 people were killed and 11 others injured after an overcrowded passenger bus veered off a highway and plunged into a deep ravine in southwestern Pakistan early Friday, officials said.

The accident occurred in the Dana Sar area near the border of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. The bus, travelling from Quetta to Peshawar, reportedly lost control before falling around 70 to 80 feet (21 to 24 metres) into a rocky ravine.

According to Shahid Rind, spokesperson for the Balochistan government, the bus had picked up passengers from another vehicle that had broken down, leaving it overcrowded.

Sanaullah Sherani, head of the emergency centre in Zhob district, confirmed that 40 people had died, while 11 others were injured. He said three of the injured were in critical condition and had been shifted to hospital for treatment.

More from World

Rescue operation faces challenges

Sherani said rescue teams faced significant difficulties reaching the crash site due to the rugged mountainous terrain.

"As the accident occurred in a rugged mountainous area, rescue teams faced significant difficulties during the initial phase of the operation," he said.

Rescue teams from both Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were deployed to the site.

Authorities order inquiry

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti expressed grief over the loss of lives and directed officials to ensure the injured received the best possible medical care. He also ordered an inquiry into the cause of the crash.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed condolences over the loss of lives in the accident.

Road accidents are frequent in Pakistan due to poor road infrastructure, weak enforcement of traffic laws, speeding and unsafe driving practices, particularly on mountainous roads.