A devastating accident in Balochistan’s Lasbela district early Thursday morning claimed the lives of three individuals and injured 12 others. The incident occurred when a passenger coach, traveling from Quetta to Karachi, collided with a motorcycle, causing the vehicle to erupt into flames.
The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Lasbela, Captain (retired) Naveed Alam, confirmed the casualties. According to SSP Alam, the tragic accident took place in the Uthal tehsil of Lasbela district. Emergency responders, including police and rescue officials, promptly arrived at the scene following an alert and commenced rescue operations immediately.
Rescue efforts and casualties
In a harrowing account, SSP Alam detailed the rescue efforts. Seven passengers, including children, were initially extracted from the burning coach by breaking its windowpanes. Subsequent rescue efforts led to the retrieval of five more injured passengers as firefighters battled the blaze. Unfortunately, the motorcycle rider was pronounced dead at the scene. Following the extinguishment of the fire, two additional charred bodies were discovered inside the coach.
The comprehensive rescue operation lasted four hours. SSP Alam noted that the exact cause of the fire remained undetermined, though eyewitnesses suggested that overspeeding and reckless driving were likely contributing factors to the collision.
Medical response and ongoing care
Dr. Hakeem Laasi, the in-charge of Lasbela Edhi Service, reported that critically injured passengers were initially administered first aid before being transported to Karachi for further medical treatment via Edhi ambulances. This swift response aimed to stabilise the victims and provide them with the necessary care to address their injuries.
Official reactions and condolences
The tragic event drew reactions from various officials, including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who expressed profound sorrow over the loss of lives. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Minister Naqvi conveyed his deep shock and sadness. “Deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of life in the tragic accident,” he wrote, extending his condolences to the victims’ families and praying for the deceased.
This incident follows another recent tragedy in Balochistan. Last month, at least 28 people lost their lives, and 22 others were injured when a bus plunged into a ravine in the Washuk district. These repeated accidents highlight the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations to prevent such devastating occurrences.