On May 29, 2024, in the early morning hours, a passenger bus en route from Turbat to Quetta in the Baluchistan province of Pakistan plummeted into a rocky ravine in the Washuk district. The tragic accident resulted in a minimum of 28 deaths and at least 20 injuries. The driver lost control while navigating through the mountainous area, possibly due to a tire blowout.

The mishap unfolded as the bus, transporting over 50 passengers, skidded off the highway. The incident prompted a swift response from rescuers and law enforcement, who rendered immediate medical aid to the victims before transferring them to local hospitals. The casualties included the bus driver, three women, and three children, with many of the wounded reported as critical.

Sarfraz Bugti, the Chief Minister of Balochistan, offered his sympathies and instructed officials to guarantee the finest possible medical care for the victims. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah also expressed their sorrow and underscored the necessity for enhanced road safety measures in the region.

Local authorities stated, “Road accidents are common in Pakistan due to poor adherence to traffic rules and substandard road conditions. We have seen several such incidents in the past, and it’s a serious issue that needs addressing.”

According to reports, the bus was traveling at a high speed at the time of the incident. Witnesses and survivors suggested that a tire blowout might have made the driver lose control, causing the bus to collide with a roadside mountain before plummeting into the ravine.

The incident led to renewed demands for improved road infrastructure and stricter traffic rules enforcement in Pakistan, particularly in the mountainous regions of Baluchistan. The provincial government pledged to consider building safer, dual-lane roads to prevent such accidents in the future.

Local inhabitants expressed their concerns about the recurring accidents on these roads. A Washuk resident said, “We have lost too many lives because of the poor road conditions and lack of safety measures. It’s time for the authorities to take concrete action.”

The Pakistani government has recognized the problem and committed to enhancing road safety standards. “Our roads need significant upgrades to ensure the safety of travelers,” said the Prime Minister. “We will work towards reducing the number of such tragic incidents in the future.”

While the investigation into the exact cause of the crash continues, the focus remains on offering medical care to the injured and support to the families of the deceased. The provincial government has declared a state of emergency at the local hospitals to handle the surge of patients and has mobilized additional resources to assist the rescue and recovery operations.