At least 40 people were killed and eight others sustained injuries when an overloaded passenger bus veered off a mountainous road and plunged into a deep ravine in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province. The accident occurred on July 3, 2026, near the town of Khuzdar, approximately 400 kilometers south of the provincial capital Quetta.
Rescue Operations and Casualties
According to local officials, the bus was carrying more than 50 passengers, exceeding its capacity. The vehicle lost control on a sharp turn and fell about 100 meters into a ravine. Rescue teams, including personnel from the Pakistan Army and local emergency services, reached the site and retrieved bodies and injured victims. The deceased were transported to nearby hospitals, while the injured were provided medical aid.
Deputy Commissioner of Khuzdar, Jahanzeb Khan, confirmed the death toll, stating, "The bus was overloaded and the driver lost control. So far, 40 bodies have been recovered and eight injured are being treated." He added that the number of fatalities might rise as some passengers remained trapped under the wreckage.
Cause of the Accident
Preliminary investigations suggest that brake failure and excessive speed on a sharp curve contributed to the crash. Overloading is a common issue on Pakistani highways, often leading to fatal accidents. The bus was traveling from Quetta to Karachi when the incident took place.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus was moving at high speed before it skidded off the road. Local resident Muhammad Ali said, "We heard a loud crash and saw the bus tumbling down. It was a horrific scene."
Government Response
Pakistani Prime Minister expressed grief over the loss of lives and directed authorities to ensure prompt medical treatment for the injured. He also ordered an inquiry into the accident to prevent such incidents in the future. Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti announced compensation of 500,000 rupees (about $2,000) for the families of each deceased and 100,000 rupees for each injured person.
Road accidents are frequent in Pakistan due to poor road conditions, reckless driving, and inadequate safety measures. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, over 30,000 road traffic accidents occur annually, resulting in thousands of deaths.
