At Least 40 Killed After Passenger Bus Plunges Into Ravine

At least 40 people have been killed and eight others injured after a passenger bus plunged into a deep ravine in Pakistan’s south-western province of Balochistan, in one of the country’s deadliest road accidents in recent months.

The crash occurred on Friday shortly after the vehicle crossed from Balochistan’s Sherani district into the neighbouring province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Rescue teams rushed to the scene as authorities launched an emergency response involving officials from both provinces.

According to Shahid Rind, Media and Political Affairs Adviser to the Chief Minister of Balochistan, preliminary reports indicate that at least 40 passengers lost their lives while eight others sustained injuries. He said the rescue operation began immediately on the instructions of Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, with district administrations, emergency responders and relevant agencies from both Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa working together at the accident site.

Officials have also confirmed that a formal investigation will be carried out to determine the exact cause of the crash.

Sherani Deputy Commissioner Wali Khan Kakar said the bus had initially departed from Quetta carrying 36 passengers. During the journey, however, several travellers from another bus that had broken down boarded the same vehicle. As a result, there was early confusion over the total number of people on board.

In a separate statement, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Rescue 1122 service reported that the bus was carrying a total of 48 passengers when the accident occurred.

Emergency teams from the Zhob Emergency Service Department and Rescue 1122 reached the scene shortly after receiving reports of the crash. The eight injured passengers were transported to Zhob District Headquarters Hospital for treatment. The bodies of those killed were initially taken to a nearby rural health centre before being transferred to the district headquarters hospital in Zhob for further procedures and identification. Authorities said rescue and recovery operations were continuing as officials worked to ensure that all victims had been accounted for.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy. He extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished the injured a swift recovery. The President also directed the relevant authorities to ensure that all injured passengers receive the highest possible standard of medical care.

Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti also conveyed his condolences in a message posted on the social media platform X. He said emergency agencies had been instructed to intensify rescue efforts, provide the best available medical treatment to the injured and extend all possible assistance to the bereaved families. He added that the Government of Balochistan would stand by those affected during this difficult time.

Road accidents remain a serious challenge across Pakistan, particularly in mountainous regions where highways often pass through steep terrain. Poor road conditions, ageing vehicles, mechanical failures and traffic safety violations have frequently contributed to fatal crashes. Incidents involving buses travelling through remote areas of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have repeatedly highlighted the need for stronger road safety measures, improved vehicle inspections and faster emergency response capabilities. Authorities are expected to examine whether any of these factors played a role in Friday’s tragedy as the investigation progresses.