Passenger bus falls into ravine in Pakistan, 40 killed

At least 40 passengers were killed and eight others injured when a passenger bus fell into a ravine in Balochistan, Pakistan, on Friday, July 3. The accident occurred in the Dhanasar area of Sherani district as the bus, heading to Peshawar, was crossing the provincial border into Dera Ismail Khan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Balochistan Chief Minister's Media and Political Affairs Adviser Shahid Rind said in a statement that at least 40 people had died and eight were injured in the initial report. A rescue operation was launched immediately on the orders of Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti.

Sherani Deputy Commissioner Wali Khan Kakar said the bus had left Quetta with 36 passengers, but more passengers were taken on board from another bus that had broken down en route.

According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Rescue 1122, the bus was carrying 48 passengers at the time of the accident. Teams from Zhob emergency services and Rescue 1122 arrived at the scene.

The injured were taken to Zhob District Headquarters Hospital, and bodies were first taken to a nearby rural health centre and later to the same hospital.

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief and offered condolences to the families of the deceased. He directed authorities to ensure the best medical care for the injured.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti also expressed grief and ordered authorities to accelerate rescue operations and provide all possible assistance to affected families.