Bus crash in Pakistan kills 40 after passenger grabs driver

An overcrowded bus carrying 48 passengers plunged into a rocky ravine in Pakistan's Dana Sar mountain range yesterday morning, killing 40 people and injuring eight others. A spokesman for the Balochistan government, Shahid Rind, confirmed the incident occurred after passengers from two buses argued on board.

One survivor told local media that the dispute escalated when a passenger grabbed the driver by the neck, causing the vehicle to leave the highway.

Rescue and investigation Police and paramilitary forces recovered the injured and deceased from the steep slope using stretchers and makeshift carts, an official named Noor Zaman said. The operation took several hours. Shahid Rind stated that all but three bodies have been identified. Police have opened an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.

Background on road safety Road accidents remain common in Pakistan due to poor road conditions, unsafe driving practices, and limited enforcement of traffic laws. Last year the country recorded 16,626 road accidents resulting in 199 fatalities. Balochistan's Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said he was "deeply saddened" by the incident and called for an inquiry.

He added that he extends condolences to the families of the deceased and prays for the swift recovery of the injured.