**Forty Killed as Bus Falls into Ditch in Pakistan’s Balochistan**
In a tragic accident on Friday, forty people lost their lives, and eight others sustained injuries when a bus plunged into a deep roadside ditch in Balochistan, Pakistan. The incident occurred while the bus, operated by a private intercity service, was en route from Quetta, the provincial capital, to Islamabad, the national capital.
According to reports from a rescue agency and government officials, there were a total of 48 passengers on board at the time of the accident. The bus fell into the ditch in the Sherani district, a region known for its challenging terrain.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene to assist the victims. The eight injured passengers received immediate first aid before being transported to a government hospital in Zhob city, located approximately 75 kilometers (about 50 miles) from the accident site. The deceased were also taken to the same hospital for identification and further processing.
Sherani Deputy Commissioner Hazrat Wali confirmed the details of the incident and highlighted the swift response by local authorities and rescue teams. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, with officials examining factors such as road conditions and vehicle safety.
This incident marks one of the deadliest bus accidents in recent times in Pakistan, where road safety remains a significant concern. Poor infrastructure, reckless driving, and inadequate vehicle maintenance have been cited as contributing factors to many such tragic events in the country.
In a related incident across the border in Afghanistan, a truck carrying Afghan refugees from Pakistan also faced a disaster. Four people were reported dead, and ten others are missing after the truck plunged into a river along the Kabul-Jalalabad highway. Military spokesperson Wahidullah Mohammadi provided details about the Afghan accident, which underscores the ongoing challenges faced by refugees in the region.
As investigations continue into both incidents, the focus remains on improving safety measures for public transport and ensuring better conditions for travelers in the region.