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By: BBC
A tragic incident on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of at least 17 Pakistani pilgrims who were en route to a shrine in Balochistan to celebrate Eid-al-Fitr. The fatal accident, which occurred late in the day, involved a bus that lost control and plunged into a ravine, as confirmed by officials.
In addition to the fatalities, over 40 individuals sustained injuries, with many receiving treatment in Karachi hospitals. Authorities have cautioned that the casualty count may increase further.
Pakistan frequently witnesses high-fatality crashes, often attributed to driver negligence and inadequate road maintenance.
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Speaking to reporters, Balochistan Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah disclosed that among the injured were two children, while at least five individuals suffered severe head injuries. He noted that the victims were primarily impoverished laborers, traveling from the Thatta region in southern Pakistan to visit a Sufi Muslim shrine in the remote city of Khuzdar, approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles) away.
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Details surrounding the accident remain under investigation, according to Shah.
Balochistan’s deputy commissioner, Munir Ahmad Kakar, informed the BBC that the truck involved in the accident was carrying around 60 passengers, including men, women, and children. He suggested that the crash might have been caused by brake failure.
Eid al-Fitr, translating to “festival of the breaking of the fast,” holds immense significance for Muslims worldwide, including those in Pakistan. It marks the conclusion of Ramadan, a month dedicated to fasting, spiritual contemplation, and prayer.
