Khairpur (Web Desk): A heartbreaking series of road accidents on Saturday led to the deaths of at least 16 people, with 45 others injured, all of whom were headed to Sehwan for the upcoming Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar.
In one accident, a van collided with a trailer after crashing into a donkey cart on a busy road near Qazi Ahmed in Sindh’s Shaheed Benazirabad District.
The collision resulted in the loss of five lives, and 10 others were left injured.
Meanwhile, another tragic incident took place near Ranipur, Khairpur, where a bus coming from Burewala collided with a rickshaw, leading to the deaths of 11 passengers and leaving 35 more injured.
The deadly crash in Qazi Ahmed happened when a speeding van carrying pilgrims heading to the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar struck a donkey cart before smashing into an oncoming trailer.
Rescue teams and local police quickly arrived at the scene, and the victims were rushed to nearby hospitals, though some critically injured passengers succumbed to their injuries.
Meanwhile, the crash near Ranipur occurred when the bus driver attempted to avoid hitting a rickshaw crossing the National Highway. In doing so, the bus overturned, causing fatalities and injuries among the passengers, all of whom were reportedly traveling from Burewala to attend the Urs.
The accidents raise serious concerns about road safety in the country, especially as large numbers of people travel to attend religious events.
Despite rescue efforts, these tragedies serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by poor road conditions, speeding, and disregard for traffic rules.
Authorities have pledged to provide further assistance to the victims' families, with transportation and resources being coordinated to bring the bodies and injured back to Burewala.
The tragic losses come ahead of the Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, which will begin on February 19.
On the occasion, the Sindh government has declared a holiday to allow people to pay their respects, though these devastating incidents have cast a shadow over the upcoming event.
