The bus, transporting passengers from Lahore and Gujranwala, was en route from Iran when its brakes reportedly failed.
Tragic Accident Claims Lives of 10 Pilgrims as Bus Falls into Ravine on Makran Coastal Highway
On Sunday, a devastating accident occurred on the Makran Coastal Highway near Buzi Luk when a bus carrying pilgrims from Iran plunged into a ravine, resulting in the tragic deaths of 10 individuals. According to officials, the bus was en route from Iran when it suffered brake failure, causing it to veer off the highway and crash into the ravine.
Edhi rescue sources reported that 23 other passengers sustained injuries in the incident. These injured individuals were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. The deceased are believed to be from Lahore and Gujranwala, highlighting the wide-reaching impact of this tragic event.
Rescue teams arrived swiftly at the scene to recover the bodies of those who had died and provide assistance to the injured. The immediate response from these teams was crucial in managing the aftermath of the accident and ensuring that those in need received urgent medical care.
In response to the tragedy, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed profound sorrow over the loss of lives. She extended her condolences to the bereaved families and offered prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. The Chief Minister’s response underscores the gravity of the situation and the government’s commitment to supporting those affected by this disaster.
This incident is particularly heartbreaking given its proximity to another recent tragedy involving Pakistani pilgrims. Just days earlier, a similar accident occurred in Iran, where a bus carrying Pakistani pilgrims from Larkana, Sindh, overturned and caught fire in front of the Dehshir-Taft checkpoint in the central province of Yazd. That accident resulted in 35 deaths and 15 injuries, marking another devastating event for Pakistani pilgrims traveling abroad.
Iranian state television reported on the accident in Yazd, noting that the bus had overturned and subsequently caught fire, exacerbating the tragic loss of life and injuries. Both the Iranian and Pakistani foreign ministries have expressed their condolences and sympathies to the families affected by these tragic events.
In response to the accident on the Makran Coastal Highway, Pakistan’s Foreign Office has taken measures to provide support to the victims’ families. The Pakistani consul in Zahedan has been asked to visit the accident site to ensure that medical relief is provided to the injured and to coordinate the repatriation of the deceased back to Pakistan.
This series of accidents highlights the risks faced by pilgrims traveling between countries and the importance of ensuring vehicle safety and reliable transportation. Both incidents have drawn attention to the need for enhanced safety measures and support systems for travelers to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As the investigation into the cause of the brake failure continues, authorities are working to provide assistance and support to the affected families. The incidents serve as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by travelers and the critical need for ongoing vigilance in ensuring their safety.