Seven crushed as Quetta bus overturns

More than 50 injured in tragic Western Bypass crash

QUETTA:

In a tragic incident at the Western Bypass in Quetta, a bus overturned and fell into a ditch, resulting in the death of 7 people and leaving 53 others injured. The accident occurred on Thursday, with rescue teams from MERC 1122 Saryab and the Airport teams responding swiftly. A total of 8 injured and two deceased were rushed to BMC Hospital and the Civil Hospital Trauma Centre.

Eyewitnesses attributed the crash to the poor condition of the road and reckless driving, factors that contributed to the bus losing control. Heart-wrenching scenes unfolded at the site of the tragedy, as locals and rescue teams worked tirelessly to assist the victims.

Balochistan Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar visited the trauma center to assess the care being provided to the injured, and an emergency was declared at the facility to ensure immediate medical attention.

The Balochistan government expressed grief and sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. Authorities have launched an investigation, with increasing demands for road safety improvements and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent future accidents.

In May this year, at least 28 people, including women and children, tragically lost their lives when a bus overturned and plunged into a ravine in Balochistan's Washuk district on Wednesday. The devastating accident occurred as the passenger bus was traveling from Turbat to Quetta.

Rescue sources reported that the catastrophe was triggered by a tyre burst, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Senior administration official Muhammad Ismail confirmed the details, highlighting the severity of the accident and the urgent response from rescue teams.

Officials reported that over 20 people were injured, many critically. In response to the tragedy, Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfaraz Bugti directed authorities to transport the injured passengers to Quetta for advanced medical treatment.

The CM ordered the evacuation to be carried out using the government of Balochistan's helicopter to ensure the injured receive the best possible care.

"Seriously injured should be shifted to Quetta," CM Bugti stated while expressing grief and sorrow over the tragic incident. Among the deceased were two students from Turbat University.

Levies personnel reached the accident site promptly and have started an investigation into the incident. The bus was completely destroyed in the crash. This tragedy adds to the alarming number of lives lost on highways across Balochistan.

Reckless driving, narrow roads, and the poor condition of highways are underlying reasons for the increasing number of accidents in the region. Authorities are urged to address these issues to prevent further loss of life.