In a series of tragic road incidents across Pakistan, 36 lives were claimed in two separate accidents, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety.
Kahuta-Rawalpindi Bus Tragedy
A catastrophic bus accident on the Kahuta-Rawalpindi route resulted in the deaths of 25 individuals, including 17 men, 7 women, and 1 child. The incident occurred when a passenger bus traveling from Rawalpindi to Palandri plunged into a deep ravine near Garari Bridge, Azad Pattan. Rescue teams arrived promptly to the scene, where one critically injured passenger was saved and rushed to the hospital.
Preliminary reports indicate that the bus lost control while navigating the treacherous terrain of Kahuta Road. Emergency services from Rescue-1122, including over 25 workers and 12 vehicles, were deployed to manage the situation. The bus was severely damaged, with many passengers trapped and crushed under the wreckage. Despite the severe damage, one survivor was found in critical condition.
Authorities have confirmed that all 25 bodies were recovered and transported to the District Headquarters and Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Kahuta. Deputy Commissioner Sudhnoti, Sardar Umar Farooq, confirmed that many of the deceased were families traveling for personal reasons. Families have been notified and are now awaiting the return of the bodies for funeral arrangements.
Local concerns about the hazardous conditions of Kahuta Road, with its sharp turns and steep inclines, have intensified. Calls for government intervention to improve road safety are growing louder from the community.
Makran Coastal Highway Incident
In a separate incident, 11 people were killed and 33 others injured when a bus overturned on the Makran Coastal Highway in Lasbela, Balochistan, and fell into a ditch. The bus, carrying pilgrims returning from Iran, veered off the road near Buzi Top due to brake failure exacerbated by overspeeding.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Lasbela, Siraj Kareem, reported that the bus was en route from Iran to Punjab when the accident occurred. Seven critically injured pilgrims were initially taken to DHQ Uthal and later transferred to the Trauma Center in Karachi. The remaining 26 injured individuals were sent to Jam Ghulam Qadir Hospital in Hub. Several injured individuals remain in critical condition.
Efforts to lift the overturned bus with a crane are ongoing, and there are concerns that more victims may still be trapped underneath. The district administration is actively working to facilitate the rescue operation.
Official Reactions
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief and sorrow over the accidents. The Prime Minister has directed local administrations to provide full support to the affected families and ensure prompt medical treatment for the injured.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti has also conveyed his condolences and instructed for immediate and effective treatment for those injured in the Makran Coastal Highway accident.
Concerns Over Pilgrim Transport Services
Deputy Commissioner Gwadar Hamoodur Rehman criticized the negligence of tour operators responsible for transporting pilgrims from Pakistan to Iran. Issues included discrepancies in vehicle and driver details, leading to difficulties and challenges for both pilgrims and the administration.
The deputy commissioner announced a ban on buses and drivers found in violation of regulations and emphasized the need for strict adherence to safety and transparency in future pilgrimages. Recommendations will be made to improve safety measures and ensure better organization of pilgrim transport services.
