Tragedy struck as the death toll climbed to 18, with over 50 individuals sustaining injuries following a devastating incident in Balochistan’s Hub district. A truck, carrying pilgrims en route to the Shah Noorani shrine, veered off the road and plunged into a ditch.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah personally attended to the injured at the Civil Hospital’s Trauma Centre. Initially, 17 fatalities were confirmed, while 52 injured were admitted, out of which 40 have been discharged. Presently, five individuals remain in critical condition on ventilators at the Trauma Center.
CM Murad assured that every effort will be exerted to ensure the injured receive optimal medical care. Notably, among the injured are two children undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Child Health.
The majority of the passengers were reported to be impoverished individuals employed as stone crushers. CM Murad emphasized that the investigation into the cause of the accident falls within the jurisdiction of the Balochistan government.
Former lawmaker Jam Awais Jokhio has extended his support to the families of the deceased victims during this trying time.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and directed authorities to provide necessary medical assistance to the injured.
The driver of the truck, Karim Baksh, has been apprehended by law enforcement following the accident, which was reportedly caused by a turn during the journey.
The tragic incident occurred as the truck, transporting pilgrims from Thatta, met with misfortune on its way to the Shah Noorani shrine in Khuzdar, Balochistan. Rescue efforts swiftly commenced, with 17 bodies and 38 injured individuals identified and transported to medical facilities.
Saad Edhi, a prominent social worker, outlined the sequence of events, highlighting the rapid response of rescue teams. He confirmed the transfer of deceased individuals to appropriate facilities for preparation and eventual repatriation to their native village.
Relatives of the victims refuted claims of reckless driving, attributing the accident to a loss of control while navigating a turn. They emphasized that the deceased will be laid to rest in their hometown of Makli.
Authorities, including Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, have initiated emergency measures to ensure the swift transfer of the injured to hospitals. Cooperation between provincial administrations has been facilitated to prioritize the medical needs of the critically wounded.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi extended condolences to the affected families and expressed hopes for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The Shah Noorani shrine, situated in a remote mountainous region, has been the site of previous tragedies, including a bus fire last year. Such incidents underscore the challenges posed by transportation in rugged terrain.
As investigations into the latest tragedy unfold, authorities are reminded of the importance of stringent safety measures to prevent future accidents.
