LASBELA: At least 41 were killed Sunday, with more casualties feared – as passenger coach fell into ravine in Balochistan’s Lasbela area, local media reported.
According to media reports, nearly 48 passengers were onboard, and the coach was traveling to Karachi from Quetta.
“Due to speeding, the coach crashed into the pillar of a bridge while taking a U-turn near Lasbela. The vehicle subsequently careened into a ravine and then caught fire,” Lasbela Assistant Commissioner Hamza Anjum was quoted as saying by media.
Media report claimed that three people, including a child and a woman, have been rescued alive and moved to Civil Hospital, Lasbela.
Another media report claimed its Edhi sources as revealing that a fire broke out in the passenger bus after it met with an accident due to which it was difficult to evacuate the passengers.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed ‘deep sorrow’ and grief over the loss of precious lives in a bus accident, state media reported.
In a statement, the prime minister condoled with the bereaved families and prayed for the high ranks of the departed souls. He also prayed for the early recovery of the injured ones. The Prime Minister directed the authorities concerned to provide the best medical facilities to the injured.
“Deeply grieved by the unfortunate incident in Lasbela which engulfed many lives,” said Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah in a Tweet.
“My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families; may Allah provide them with the courage to endure this loss and bless the souls of the deceased. Ameen,” he further wrote.
According to state media, Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Abdul Quddus Bizenjo also expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the road accident this morning.
In his condolence statement, he directed the District administration to provide better health facilities to the injured passengers.
