At least 27 individuals lost their lives on Wednesday in a tragic accident when a bus veered off the road and plunged into a deep ravine in southwestern Pakistan, as confirmed by hospital and government authorities. The incident occurred in Basima town, Balochistan province, at daybreak while the bus was en route from Turbat city to Quetta.
Ismail Mengal, a local government official, stated that the driver lost control of the vehicle while navigating a turn in a mountainous area, resulting in the fatal plunge. The toll of the deceased was reported to be 27, with further investigation underway to determine the cause of the accident. Possible factors being considered include driver fatigue or excessive speed.
More than 25 individuals, including the driver, sustained injuries in the tragic event. Noor Ullah, the chief doctor at Civil Hospital Basima, reported that 27 bodies were brought to the hospital, which included three women and two children.
Expressing his condolences, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed his deep sorrow over the catastrophic traffic accident. Tragic road accidents with significant casualties are unfortunately frequent in Pakistan, reflecting inadequate safety measures, substandard driver training, and often dilapidated transportation infrastructure.
Earlier in April, 17 pilgrims lost their lives and 41 were injured in a similar incident as they journeyed to a shrine in Balochistan's Hub district. This follows a devastating accident in January last year, where 41 individuals perished as their bus, loaded with flammable oil containers, careened off the road into a valley and erupted in flames.
