Traffic collision leaves three dead, two injured
Three people lost their lives on the spot, while two others suffered severe injuries in a collision between a passenger coach and a car.
The accident took place on the Bhakkar-Adhikot road at Dera Baluchanwala.
The deceased were identified as Abdul Muais, Abdul Wasay and Shazal, who lost their lives at the spotn. Ali Hamza and Muneeb were injured in the accident.
The impact of the collision was so severe that it left the car mangled.
Rescue officials responding to a distress call had to cut the car's body to extricate the injured and the deceased. They were subsequently transported to the Tehsil headquarters hospital.
Due to the severity of their wounds, both the injured were referred to the District Headquarters Hospital in Joharabad.
The bodies were handed over to the families of the deceased by the police.
Speaking to the media, Noorpur Police SHO Anam Sarfraz said the five occupants of the car hailing from Bhalwal tehsil of Sargodha had had been killed and injured.
They were en route to their hometown when the accident occurred.
According to a local resident, the Adhikot-Bhakkar road has witnessed several fatal accidents in the past, primarily due to its deteriorating condition. The lack of maintenance and repairs over several years has rendered the road in a state of disrepair.
Eyewitnesses reported that the occupants of the car had embarked on a journey to purchase a dog from Bhalwal. Abdul Wasay, who lost his life, and Ali Hamza, who suffered severe injuries, were cousins.
The father of the Abdul Wasay, Mumtaz Khan, informed the Noorpur Thal police that he was in another vehicle at the time of the accident. He alleged that reckless driving of the coach had caused the fatal road crash. The coach driver fled the scene and the Noorpur police registered a case against him.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 18th, 2023.