Representative Image
At least 23 people were killed, and several others sustained injuries in two separate road accidents reported from different parts of Pakistan on Saturday. The tragedies have once again brought attention to long-standing issues such as reckless driving and dangerous weather conditions.
The accidents occurred in Balochistan’s coastal region near Gwadar. Another incident was reported from Punjab’s Sargodha district, both resulting in heavy loss of life.
Nine Killed in Coach Accident Near Gwadar
In Balochistan, nine people lost their lives, and 36 others were injured after a passenger coach overturned on the Makran Coastal Highway near Gwadar.
Reports indicated that the accident occurred close to the Hudd Goth area of Ormara.
Police officials said the coach was travelling from Jiwani towards Karachi when the driver lost control. The vehicle was operated by a private transport company, Al Usman.
Initial findings by the Coastal Highway police suggested that overspeeding was responsible for the crash.
Superintendent of Police Aslam Bangulzai stated that the driver was unable to manage the vehicle due to excessive speed, causing it to overturn.
Emergency responders reached the site shortly after the incident and transported the injured and deceased to Ormara Tehsil Hospital.
Medical officials said several passengers were in critical condition, fuelling fears that the number of fatalities could increase.
Police confirmed that a detailed investigation was underway, and further information regarding the driver and transport company was being gathered.
Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti expressed profound grief over the incident and extended sympathies to the affected families. He instructed the Gwadar deputy commissioner to ensure proper medical care for the injured.
The chief minister also directed authorities to arrange ambulance services to transport the bodies to the victims’ hometowns.
Fourteen Killed in Fog-Related Accident in Punjab
In another tragic incident, at least 14 people were killed in Punjab’s Sargodha district after a mini-truck fell into a dry canal amid thick fog. The accident occurred near Ghalapur Bangla in Kot Momin tehsil, where extremely poor visibility led to the vehicle leaving the road.
Rescue officials said that seven victims died on the spot. Another seven later succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment at nearby hospitals.
The mini-truck was carrying 23 passengers travelling from Islamabad to Faisalabad to attend a funeral. Owing to motorway closures caused by dense fog, the driver chose to use a local road.
Women and children were among those killed in the accident, and all the victims were residents of Islamabad. Rescue teams transferred the injured and deceased to the THQ hospital for medical treatment and legal formalities.
Officials urged motorists to exercise extreme caution during adverse weather conditions and reiterated the need for strict enforcement of traffic safety laws. The two fatal accidents have once again highlighted the urgent requirement for improved road safety practices across the country.
Also Read: Maria Corina Machado Recounts Perilous Sea Escape From Venezuela
To read more such news, download Bharat Express news apps
