A tragic incident unfolded in Pakistan’s Punjab province on Sunday, as a heavily packed and speeding bus, transporting Christian pilgrims to a religious assembly, tragically toppled while negotiating a curve. This devastating accident resulted in the loss of a minimum of six lives, with a staggering 50 individuals left injured.
What happened in the accident in Pakistan?
Tragedy struck Pakistan’s Punjab province when a bus transporting Christian pilgrims met with a horrific accident. The incident, which transpired in Sheikhpura on Saturday night, led to the untimely demise of six individuals, while a shocking 50 others were left injured. The bus carrying the pilgrims overturned while negotiating a turn, as reported by ARY News.
As per statements from rescue authorities, the ill-fated bus was en route to the National Marian Shrine in Mariamabad, carrying Christian pilgrims for a religious congregation when it met with a tragic accident. The incident occurred at the Khanka Dogran area of Shiekhupura, as the bus tragically overturned while negotiating a turn.
Swiftly responding to the scene, both police and rescue teams arrived to provide immediate assistance to the injured passengers. Regrettably, six passengers lost their lives on the spot, while the condition of five individuals is reported to be critical, according to PTI.
Officials on the ground emphasized that the bus, originally designed for 60 passengers, was operating in an overloaded condition. They further noted that the driver struggled to maintain control of the speeding vehicle while attempting to navigate the turn, leading to this devastating accident.
What discourse of action took place after the accident?
In the aftermath of the tragic incident, law enforcement and rescue personnel swiftly arrived at the scene and promptly transported the injured individuals to a medical facility. Regrettably, six passengers lost their lives at the accident site, while the condition of five others remain in critical condition.
Authorities have reported that a bus, designed to accommodate 60 passengers, was found to be carrying an excessive load. According to their statements, the bus operator lost command of the swiftly moving vehicle while navigating a bend. This led to a terrible and gruesome turn of incidents resulting in a deadly accident.
Mohsin Naqvi, the interim Chief Minister of Punjab, conveyed his condolences for the tragic incident, expressing deep sorrow over the lives lost. In response, he has issued directives to health authorities, urging them to ensure the provision of optimal medical care for the injured individuals.
Since 1949, the National Marian Shrine located in Mariamabad has served as the venue for an annual pilgrimage dedicated to the celebration of the Nativity of Mary.
Mariamabad, often referred to as the ‘City of Mary,’ is renowned for its connection to the religious figure. Unfortunately, road accidents in Pakistan are a distressingly frequent occurrence, leading to a substantial loss of life on a daily basis.
The abrupt jolt caused by the accident startled everyone on board, but the ensuing blaze left passengers with no opportunity to flee. In a matter of moments, the flames engulfed the bus entirely, shrouding it like a relentless shroud, prompting anguished cries from women, children, and men alike.
Incidents of accidents are regrettably a common occurrence on Pakistan’s highways, where adherence to safety protocols is frequently overlooked, and traffic rules are routinely disregarded. Moreover, the problem is exacerbated by fatigued drivers who succumb to sleep while navigating lengthy journeys.
