In the early hours of May 29, 2024, a passenger bus traveling from Turbat to Quetta in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province crashed into a rocky ravine in the Washuk district, resulting in at least 28 fatalities and injuring at least 20 others. The accident occurred after the bus driver lost control, possibly due to a tire burst, while navigating the mountainous terrain.
The incident took place when the bus, carrying over 50 passengers, veered off the highway. Rescuers and police responded swiftly, providing initial medical treatment to the injured before transporting them to nearby hospitals. Among the deceased were the bus driver, three women, and three children. Many of the injured passengers were reported to be in critical condition.
Balochistan’s Chief Minister, Sarfraz Bugti, expressed his condolences and directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah also conveyed their grief and emphasized the need for improved road safety measures in the region.
“Road accidents are common in Pakistan due to poor adherence to traffic rules and substandard road conditions,” said local police. “We have seen several such incidents in the past, and it’s a serious issue that needs addressing.”
The bus was reportedly traveling at high speed when the accident occurred. Witnesses and some of the survivors mentioned that a tire burst might have caused the driver to lose control, leading the bus to crash into a roadside mountain and then plunge into the ravine.
Rescue operations were challenging due to the remoteness of the location and the rugged terrain. Initial reports indicate that 27 people died on the spot, and one more succumbed to injuries at the hospital. Nine critically injured passengers were airlifted to Quetta for further treatment.
The crash has sparked a renewed call for better road infrastructure and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations in Pakistan, particularly in the hilly areas of Baluchistan. The provincial government has promised to look into constructing safer, two-way roads to prevent such accidents in the future.
Local residents have also voiced concerns over the frequent accidents on these roads. “We have lost too many lives because of the poor road conditions and lack of safety measures,” said a resident of Washuk. “It’s time for the authorities to take concrete action.”
The Pakistani government has acknowledged the issue and has vowed to improve road safety standards. “Our roads need significant upgrades to ensure the safety of travelers,” said the Prime Minister. “We will work towards reducing the number of such tragic incidents in the future.”
As the investigation into the exact cause of the crash continues, the focus remains on providing medical care to the injured and support to the families of the deceased. The provincial government has declared a state of emergency at the local hospitals to manage the influx of patients and has mobilized additional resources to aid the rescue and recovery operations.
