ZHOB, Pakistan, July 3, 2026 — At least 40 people, including women and children, were killed and eight others injured after an overcrowded passenger bus plunged into a deep ravine following a suspected brake failure in Pakistan’s Balochistan province on Friday.
According to police, the accident occurred in the Danasar area of Zhob District, near the border between Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Preliminary reports indicate the bus suffered brake failure while travelling through the mountainous region, causing the driver to lose control before the vehicle plunged into the ravine.
The injured, including several women and children, were rushed to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Zhob for emergency treatment.
Adviser to the Chief Minister of Balochistan on Media, Shahid Rind, confirmed that 40 people lost their lives, while eight others sustained injuries. He said rescue operations were launched immediately with teams from both the Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments.
Emergency response teams from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), the Health Department, the Frontier Corps (FC) and other agencies were mobilized to assist with rescue and recovery efforts. Rind also thanked the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for its prompt support.
Initial investigations suggest the bus was carrying passengers beyond its approved capacity. Authorities said several travellers from another bus that had broken down earlier were also accommodated on the ill-fated vehicle, resulting in severe overcrowding.
The Balochistan government has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the tragedy. The provincial transport secretary has been directed to investigate all circumstances surrounding the crash and submit a detailed report. Officials said every aspect of the accident, including possible negligence, mechanical failure and overloading, will be thoroughly examined.
Authorities are continuing efforts to identify the victims and ensure proper medical treatment for the injured. The provincial government expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved families and pledged full support during this difficult time.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy and extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He directed the relevant authorities to provide the injured with the best possible medical care and assured the nation that the government stands in solidarity with the victims’ families.
The investigation into one of Pakistan’s deadliest road accidents this year is ongoing.
Source: Adapted from Geo News Pakistan.