In a tragic incident on May 29, 2024, a passenger bus en route from Turbat to Quetta in the Baluchistan province of Pakistan careened off the road and into a rocky ravine. The accident, which occurred in the Washuk district, led to at least 28 deaths and left at least 20 other passengers injured. The cause of the accident is believed to be a loss of control by the bus driver, potentially due to a tire blowout, as the vehicle traversed the mountainous region.
The bus, carrying more than 50 passengers, skidded off the highway early in the morning. Quick response by the police and rescue teams ensured immediate medical attention for the injured who were then transferred to nearby hospitals. The bus driver, three women, and three children were among those who lost their lives. Many of the injured are said to be in a critical state.
Expressing his grief over the incident, Balochistan’s Chief Minister, Sarfraz Bugti, directed authorities to provide the best possible medical care for the injured. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah also expressed their condolences and emphasized the need for enhanced road safety in the region.
Local police noted the prevalence of road accidents in Pakistan, attributing them to poor adherence to traffic rules and substandard road conditions. “We have seen several such incidents in the past, and it’s a serious issue that needs addressing,” they stated.
According to witnesses and surviving passengers, the bus was traveling at a high speed when the accident occurred. A tire blowout is being cited as a possible reason for the driver losing control, causing the bus to crash into a mountainside and subsequently plummet into the ravine.
The remote location and rugged terrain posed challenges to rescue operations. Initial reports suggest that 27 passengers died on the spot, while one more died from injuries at the hospital. Nine critically injured passengers were airlifted to Quetta for advanced medical treatment.
In response to the accident, there has been a renewed call for improved road infrastructure and stricter adherence to traffic rules in Pakistan, particularly in the mountainous regions of Baluchistan. The provincial government has pledged to explore the possibility of constructing safer, two-way roads to prevent such incidents in the future.
Local residents expressed concerns over the frequent accidents on these roads. One Washuk resident said, “We have lost too many lives because of the poor road conditions and lack of safety measures. It’s time for the authorities to take concrete action.”
The Pakistani government has recognized the issues and promised to enhance road safety standards. “Our roads need significant upgrades to ensure the safety of travelers,” the Prime Minister stated. “We will work towards reducing the number of such tragic incidents in the future.”
While the investigation into the exact cause of the crash is ongoing, the primary focus remains on providing medical care to the injured and support to the bereaved families. The provincial government has declared a state of emergency at local hospitals to handle the patient influx and has mobilized additional resources to aid rescue and recovery efforts.
