At least 24 killed, several injured in separate road accidents in Punjab, Balochistan

Sargodha/Gwadar: A total of 24 people were killed and several others suffered injuries in two tragic road accidents reported on Saturday in Punjab and Balochistan.

The first incident took place in Punjab’s Sargodha district, where a truck carrying goods along with passengers fell off the Galapur Bangla bridge into a dry canal in the Kot Momin area.

Rescue 1122 officials said dense fog severely reduced visibility, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. As a result, 14 people lost their lives and nine others were injured.

Rescue teams explained that 23 people were traveling on the truck at the time of the accident. Seven passengers were crushed beneath the vehicle and died instantly.

Emergency responders rushed to the site and began rescue operations, pulling out the victims and shifting both the injured and the deceased to the nearby Tehsil Headquarters Hospital. Seven more passengers later died while receiving medical treatment. Among those who lost their lives were six children and five women. The passengers were reportedly heading to attend a funeral.

Officials said thick fog has spread across large parts of Punjab, making travel especially dangerous during winter mornings and nights.

They warned motorists that poor visibility significantly increases the risk of accidents and advised drivers to slow down and remain cautious while traveling in foggy conditions.

In a separate incident in Balochistan, at least 10 people were killed and 45 others were injured when a passenger coach overturned near Hud Goth in Gwadar district. Police said the coach was traveling from Karachi to Gwadar with around 50 passengers on board when it lost control due to high speed and flipped over.

Soon after the crash, rescue teams from the Pakistan Army reached the location and assisted in shifting the dead and the critically injured to medical facilities. The injured and the bodies of the deceased were transported to PNS Darmanjah Naval Base in Pakistan Navy and rescue ambulances. 

Authorities said those in critical condition are being airlifted to Karachi by Pakistan Navy ATR aircraft for further medical treatment.

Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday conveyed profound sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in separate road accidents near Sargodha and Ormara.

In a heartfelt statement, he offered prayers for the departed, asking for their souls to rest in eternal peace and for their ranks to be elevated. 

He also extended sincere condolences to the grieving families, praying that they find patience and strength to endure this immense loss.

PM Shehbaz instructed authorities to ensure that all victims injured in the accidents receive the best possible medical care. 

Hospital administrations were directed to provide immediate and comprehensive treatment without any delay.

Highlighting the urgency of preventing such tragedies, Shehbaz Sharif called for strict enforcement of traffic regulations and safety protocols on national highways. 

He further ordered relevant departments to maintain vigilant monitoring of precautionary measures, especially considering the current foggy conditions, to safeguard public safety.

Reaffirming that negligence in traffic management would not be tolerated, PM Shehbaz emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to protect lives on roads throughout the country.