Pakistan

Bus accident claims six lives, injures 57

Tragic accident occurred after ‘speeding’ bus carrying Christian devotees overturned

Our Correspondent September 10, 2023

An ambulance carries the injured to the hospital, after a blast in Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan July 30, 2023. Photo: Rescue 1122/Handout

SHEIKHUPURA:

A bus carrying Christian devotees on their journey from Sialkot to Maryamabad met with a tragic accident near the Khanqah Dogran Interchange. The crash claimed the lives of six individuals and left 57 others with serious injuries.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sheikhupura, Sarmad Taimur, reported that the accident was the result of excessive speeding and overloading, causing the bus to overturn, resulting in fatalities and causing severe harm to many passengers.

The response to this dire situation was swift and coordinated. Rescue teams, including Rescue 1122 Sheikhupura, Edhi ambulances, DSP Traffic Tariq Jameel, and local police, immediately rushed to the scene.

Their prompt action ensured that the injured received immediate assistance and were transported to nearby medical facilities.

Among the injured passengers, 37 were in critical condition and were rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital Sheikhupura, while the remaining 20 were taken to the Rural Health Centre in Khanqah Dogran for urgent medical attention.

Deputy Commissioner Sarmad Taimur visited the accident site. There, he oversaw the rescue operations, ensuring that all necessary measures were taken to assist the victims.

Accompanied by Assistant Commissioner Safdarabad Ayusha Zafar, the DC also made efforts to comfort the injured and assured them that every possible facility would be provided for their recovery.

In a press briefing, DC Sheikhupura revealed that the bodies of the deceased had been transported to Sialkot through Edhi Foundation ambulances.

He further said that an emergency had been declared at the District Headquarters Hospital Sheikhupura, ensuring the presence of all medical professionals and staff to attend to those in need.

This tragic accident has left a deep mark on the community, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families during this difficult time, he said.