Accident in Pakistan: Dozens dead when passenger bus rolls over

Islamabad, May 29 (EFE). – At least 28 people were killed and 16 others injured on Wednesday when a passenger bus overturned and plunged into a deep ditch in a mountainous region of Pakistan, an official said.

The accident occurred early in the morning in Washuk district of Balochistan province, paramilitary officer Ishfaq Ahmed told EFE.

He said the rescue operation was underway and 28 people had lost their lives and about 16 had sustained serious injuries.

“Rescue efforts were hampered by darkness,” Ahmed said.

The injured were first treated at a nearby health centre and then, as some of them were in critical condition, taken to a hospital in Quetta, the provincial capital.

The bus was en route between Turbat and Quetta (both in Balochistan) when an accident occurred due to a burst tire, Ahmed explained.

Pakistan has one of the highest road accident rates in the world due to poor road conditions, vehicle defects and often overcrowded public transport.

Just a few weeks ago, on May 3, another tragic accident in northeast Pakistan left at least 20 people dead and 21 others injured when a coach plunged off the road into a ravine.

According to the Pakistani government, around 30,000 people die in traffic accidents in the country every year. EFE

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