At least 34 people have lost their lives in two separate bus accidents in northeastern and southwestern Pakistan, according to local authorities. The first incident occurred on the Makran Coastal Highway in the southwestern province of Balochistan, where 12 individuals died. The second accident involved a bus that plunged into a deep ravine near the Pakistani-administered region of Kashmir, resulting in 22 fatalities.
The first incident took place on the night of Sunday, when a bus carrying Shia Muslim pilgrims returning home from Iran went off the road during a religious celebration. According to the provincial government, 13 people were also injured and reported to be in critical condition. Local police authorities stated that four individuals were still trapped inside the bus, prompting a crane to be called in to assist with their rescue.
The second accident occurred in the Kahuta district of the eastern Punjab province. Rescue coordinator Muhammad Usman from Rawalpindi told Reuters that the bus was carrying 25 passengers, including six women and one child. Of these, 22 lost their lives, while another was critically injured. According to Usman, all bodies from the accident have been retrieved from the ravine.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed his deepest condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families from both accidents. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also issued separate statements expressing their sorrow over the tragedies.
The accident in Balochistan was reportedly caused by brake failure in the bus, according to rescue worker Usman Gujjar. Earlier this week, 28 passengers died and 23 were injured when a bus carrying Pakistani pilgrims overturned in central Iran while en route to Iraq for the Arbaeen commemorations, one of the largest events for Shia Muslims worldwide.
Road accidents are unfortunately common in Pakistan, often attributed to inadequate infrastructure, poorly maintained vehicles, and reckless driving. Each year, an average of 9,000 accidents are reported, resulting in over 5,000 fatalities.