Quetta: At least 40 people were killed and several others injured after an overcrowded bus plunged from a highway into a rocky ravine in southwestern Pakistan early Friday.
The accident occurred near the border of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, Shahid Rind, a spokesperson for the Balochistan government, said, as reported by The Economic Times.
The bus went out of control and fell into the ravine in Dana Sar, a remote area of the province.
The bus was carrying not only its own passengers but those from another bus that had broken down. This led to overcrowding, Rind said.
Balochistan chief minister Sarfraz Bugti expressed grief over the loss of life and ordered authorities to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical treatment.
Rescuers were working to identify those killed and treat the injured, Rind said.
Accidents are common in Pakistan because of poor road conditions, inadequate enforcement of traffic laws and unsafe driving practices, particularly in mountainous areas.
