Early in the morning on May 29, 2024, a bus carrying passengers from Turbat to Quetta in the Baluchistan province of Pakistan met with a devastating accident.
The bus crashed into a rocky ravine located in the Washuk district, causing at least 28 deaths and injuring 20 others. The driver lost control of the bus, potentially due to a tire blowout, amidst the challenging mountainous landscape.
The bus, carrying over 50 passengers, swerved off the highway, leading to this tragic incident. Swift response from the police and rescue teams ensured immediate medical aid to the injured before they were taken to the nearby hospitals.
Unfortunately, the casualties included the bus driver, three women, and three children. Several of the injured passengers were reported to be in severe condition.
The Chief Minister of Balochistan, Sarfraz Bugti, mourned the loss and instructed officials to provide the best medical care for the survivors. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah also expressed their sorrow, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced road safety protocols in the region.
“Road accidents are common in Pakistan due to poor adherence to traffic rules and substandard road conditions,” stated local police. “We have seen several such incidents in the past, and it’s a serious issue that needs addressing.”
Witnesses and survivors suggested that the bus was moving at a high speed when the accident occurred. They mentioned that a tire burst may have caused the driver to lose control, leading the bus to hit a roadside mountain and subsequently plunge into the ravine.
Due to the remote location and rugged terrain, rescue operations posed significant challenges. Initial reports confirmed that 27 people died at the site of the accident while one more passed away in the hospital due to injuries. Nine severely injured passengers were airlifted to Quetta for advanced treatment.
The accident has reignited demands for improved road infrastructure and stringent traffic rule enforcement in Pakistan, particularly in the hilly regions of Baluchistan. The provincial government has assured to consider the construction of safer, two-way roads to prevent future accidents.
Local residents have expressed their worry over the frequent accidents on these roads. “We have lost too many lives because of the poor road conditions and lack of safety measures,” shared a resident of Washuk. “It’s time for the authorities to take concrete action.”
The government of Pakistan has recognized the problem and pledged to enhance road safety standards. “Our roads need significant upgrades to ensure the safety of travelers,” said the Prime Minister. “We will work towards reducing the number of such tragic incidents in the future.”
As the investigation into the exact cause of the crash continues, the priority remains to provide medical care to the injured and support to the families of the deceased. The provincial government has declared an emergency at the local hospitals to manage the patient influx and mobilized additional resources for rescue and recovery operations.
