On November 12, 2024, a bus transporting approximately 27 wedding guests veered off the Telchi Bridge and plunged into the Indus River in northern Pakistan, resulting in at least 18 fatalities.
The incident occurred in the Gilgit-Baltistan region as the group traveled to Chakwal in the Punjab province. The bus was carrying members of a wedding procession when it flew off the road and veered into the river, with the number of fatalities still unconfirmed. Local reports suggest the death toll could reach as high as 26.
Many passengers remain missing and are feared dead, with authorities citing the freezing temperatures as severely diminishing any chance of survival, according to a Pakistani news outlet.
Authorities in the Gilgit Baltistan region reported that the driver lost control of the vehicle due to high speed.
Faizullah Faraq, a government spokesman, confirmed the accident and stated that only one woman had been found alive and was receiving medical treatment. The local police said that the exact cause of the crash is still undetermined, and officers have yet to interview her for further details.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari expressed condolences and urged a swift rescue effort.
Road accidents are a significant concern in Pakistan, with the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics reporting an annual average of 9,000 incidents, resulting in over 5,000 fatalities.
This high incidence of road mishaps can be attributed to several factors, including poor road infrastructure, reckless driving behaviors, and inadequate traffic law enforcement.
The country’s road infrastructure is often cited as a primary contributor to traffic accidents. Many highways and rural roads are in disrepair, lacking proper signage, lighting, and safety barriers. These deficiencies make navigation hazardous, especially during adverse weather conditions. A report by the World Bank highlights that Pakistan’s transport sector suffers from a low density of paved roads and substandard railroads and airports compared to its peers.
Driver behavior also plays a crucial role in the prevalence of road accidents. Speeding, overtaking in unsafe conditions, and disregarding traffic signals are common practices among motorists. Additionally, using mobile phones while driving and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs further exacerbates the risk of accidents.
Enforcement of existing traffic regulations is often inadequate, leading to widespread non-compliance among road users. Corruption and lack of resources within traffic police departments hinder effective monitoring and penalization of traffic violations. This lax enforcement creates an environment where unsafe driving practices go unchecked, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Recent incidents highlight the severity of these issues. On August 25, 2024, a vehicle carrying passengers fell into a ravine near Rawlakot in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, resulting in 29 fatalities. On the same day, another bus accident in Balochistan’s Lasbella district claimed 11 lives.
These tragedies highlight the urgent need for comprehensive measures to improve road safety nationwide.
