16 Killed as Bus Plunges into Ravine in Balochistan

News Desk

Quetta: A passenger bus plunged into a deep ravine in Balochistan’s Sherani district on Friday, killing at least 16 people, including women and children, and injuring around 20 others in one of the deadliest road accidents in the province this year.

According to Deputy Commissioner Zhob Hazrat Wali Kakar, the accident occurred in the Dana Sar area, where the bus veered off the road and fell into a ravine.

Rescue officials said emergency teams rushed to the site and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals, while efforts continued to recover victims and clear the wreckage.

Preliminary reports indicate the crash was caused by suspected brake failure while the bus was negotiating a sharp turn, causing the driver to lose control.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident.

The tragedy comes weeks after the Balochistan government announced stricter safety measures for long-distance passenger transport following a series of fatal road crashes.

Under the new policy, tracking devices will be installed in buses operating on major national highways, including the N-25, N-50, N-65, N-70 and N-40, to enable real-time monitoring of vehicle speeds.

Officials say buses exceeding speed limits will trigger instant alerts to a central control room, while route permits will only be issued to vehicles equipped with certified tracking systems. The government has also warned of strict action against operators found violating traffic and safety regulations.

Road accidents remain a major challenge in Balochistan, where difficult terrain, poorly maintained roads and vehicle safety issues frequently contribute to fatal crashes.