A tragic road accident claimed several lives after a Karachi-bound bus plunged into a ravine in the Dhok Pathan area of Chakwal district. Rescue officials confirmed that at least five passengers lost their lives, while 27 others sustained injuries.
The incident occurred when the passenger bus was travelling from Islamabad to Karachi. According to initial reports, the driver lost control near a sharp bend on the road. The bus skidded off the road and fell into a deep ravine, causing severe damage to the vehicle.
Rescue 1122 teams reached the site soon after the accident. Emergency responders launched a full rescue operation to pull passengers from the wreckage. Several injured passengers were trapped inside the bus and required careful extraction.
All injured individuals were shifted to nearby hospitals for immediate medical treatment. Rescue officials stated that seven women were among the injured passengers. Some victims remain in serious condition and are receiving intensive care.
Eyewitnesses said the accident caused panic in the area. Locals rushed to help before rescue teams arrived. Police later cordoned off the site to allow emergency services to work smoothly.
Authorities believe speeding or loss of control may have caused the crash. However, a detailed investigation is underway to determine the exact cause. Officials will also examine the road condition and the bus’s mechanical state.
Bus accidents remain a serious concern across Pakistan. Poor road safety measures, sharp turns, and driver fatigue often contribute to such tragedies. Long-distance routes, especially those involving overnight travel, carry higher risks.
In a similar incident in December 2025, at least 11 people were killed when a bus overturned on the M-14 Motorway near Fateh Jang. That accident also involved passengers traveling long distances across provinces.
The victims of the Chakwal crash belonged to different cities, including Bahawalpur, Vehari, Saharanpur, and Islamabad. Authorities are working to contact the families of the deceased and injured passengers.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep sorrow over the incident. She offered condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured. She also directed health authorities to provide the best possible treatment.
Officials urged transport companies to ensure driver training and vehicle safety. They also advised passengers to remain cautious during long journeys. The Karachi-bound bus accident has once again highlighted the urgent need for improved road safety enforcement.
The tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by passengers on highways. Authorities say stricter checks and safer driving practices can help prevent such loss of life in the future. Parents and students may also be affected by education-related disruptions across the province. Read more about the Sindh private schools to strike on Jan 9 over verification drive and how it could impact academic schedules.
