34 killed in two bus accidents in Pakistan

Central Asia (CA) – Two accidents involving buses occurred in Pakistan today, August 25. According to AFP and Reuters, the total death toll is 34.

The first accident occurred near the city of Azadpatan in northeastern Pakistan, bordering Punjab province, according to AFP. The bus overturned and fell into a ravine. Rescue spokesman Farooq Ahmed said a total of 22 people died, including 15 men, six women and one child.

The second accident occurred on the coastal highway in Makran, Balochistan. A bus carrying 25 people also fell into a ravine. According to preliminary information, the driver exceeded the speed limit and lost control. 12 people died.

Authorities said the dead included pilgrims who were travelling to Iran to attend the al-Arbaan procession, held on the 40th anniversary of the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, but were not allowed to cross the border due to document problems and returned home on buses.

Agence France-Presse pointed out that due to outdated transportation infrastructure and insufficient driver training, road accidents in Pakistan are frequent and the death toll remains high. Yesterday, on August 24, an accident occurred in Gwadar Port, killing 28 pilgrims. On August 21, a bus from Pakistan to Iraq had an accident, killing 35 people.