A devastating truck accident in southwestern Pakistan resulted in the deaths of 17 individuals and left 41 others injured as they were en route to a religious shrine to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, officials reported on Thursday.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening in the Hub district of Balochistan province, according to regional official Munir Ahmed.
Ahmed stated, “The truck was speeding uncontrollably when the driver lost control at a turn,” causing it to plunge into a ravine in a mountainous area near the religious site.
He added, “The driver jumped from the truck and survived.”
The passengers were “worshippers traveling from the Sindh region to the Shah Noorani shrine in Hub” in southern Pakistan.
The accident took place nearly 170 kilometers from Hub in a rugged area, with the injured being transported to Karachi.
Dr. Shaukat Jalbani, head of Hub’s main hospital, told Agence France-Presse, “At least 17 bodies have been transported to the morgue,” noting, “More than 40 individuals were injured in the accident, with the majority being transferred to Karachi.”
Devotees annually flock from neighboring areas to visit this shrine during Eid al-Fitr.
Pakistan witnesses numerous traffic accidents resulting in casualties due to poor road conditions, disregard for traffic laws, and reckless driving.
Buses and trucks often carry passengers beyond their capacity, with seat belt usage being uncommon.
