Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has announced compensation of up to Rs2 million ($7,191) for the relatives of those killed and injured in a devastating bus crash in Balochistan, according to a statement from the chief minister's office on Saturday.
Deadliest Road Accident in Recent Years
At least 40 people were killed and eight others injured on Friday when an overcrowded passenger bus fell into a ravine in a remote district of Balochistan bordering Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The accident occurred in Dana Sar, a mountainous area in Balochistan's Sherani district, as the bus was traveling from Quetta to Peshawar. The vehicle veered off a narrow road and plunged approximately 400 feet into a deep ravine.
The bus was carrying 48 passengers at the time of the crash, making it one of the deadliest road accidents in Pakistan in recent years. Rescue teams from Balochistan Emergency Rescue 1122 service responded to the scene, and locals assisted in the recovery efforts.
Compensation Details Announced
In a statement, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister's office confirmed that Afridi has authorized Rs2 million ($7,191) for the families of each deceased person and Rs1 million ($3,595) for each injured individual. “The provincial government stands with the affected families in this hour of grief and will provide them with all possible assistance,” CM Afridi was quoted as saying. “No delay will be tolerated in providing financial assistance to the affected families.”
The compensation aims to alleviate the financial burden on the victims' families, many of whom are from low-income backgrounds. The chief minister also directed officials to ensure swift disbursement of the funds.
Recurring Issue of Road Safety in Pakistan
Road accidents in Pakistan are frequently attributed to poor road conditions, inadequate enforcement of traffic laws, and unsafe driving practices, particularly in mountainous regions. The accident in Sherani district highlights the dangers faced by passengers on intercity routes.
In a similar incident in May, a minibus collided with a parked bus on a motorway in northwest Pakistan, resulting in 17 deaths and five injuries. These tragedies underscore the urgent need for improved road infrastructure and stricter traffic regulations.
The Balochistan government has also initiated an investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest that the driver may have lost control due to the narrow and winding road conditions. Authorities are examining whether mechanical failure or overspeeding contributed to the accident.
