The accident occurred in Punjab province, when a bus carrying 24 passengers crashed into an oil tanker.
Islamabad, Pakistan – At least 20 people have been killed in a road accident in Pakistan after a bus collided with an oil tanker in southern Pakistan.
Officials said that the accident occurred on Tuesday morning in Punjab province. The bus collided with the tanker from behind.
The bus, which was carrying 24 people and two crew members, was traveling to Karachi via Lahore. Police said the oil tanker’s driver ran away from the spot.
Authorities said that some of the bodies were badly burnt and difficult to identify. They will also initiate DNA testing to determine their identity.
At least six survivors were badly injured in the tragedy and transferred to Multan city’s Nishtar Hospital, officials said.
Kashif Shahzad, the investigating officer, said that a FIR (first information report) was registered by police in connection to the accident.
“It is quite likely a case of reckless driving by the bus driver who has also died,” he told Al Jazeera.
Asad Shabbir (spokesman for National Highways and Motorway Police) stated that the tanker was carrying thousands upon thousands of litres oil.
“The fire after the collision was massive which made it difficult for rescue workers to pull out the dead and the injured,” he said.
The highway was temporarily closed due to the accident.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif tweeted his condolences. “Saddened by the loss of 20 precious lives in the accident. My prayers are with the bereaved families,” he posted.
Punjab province’s Chief Minister Parvez Elahi also expressed grief and asked the officials to extend full support to the grieving families.
Fatal road accidents are common in Pakistan, with many blaming the shoddy infrastructure, unfit vehicles and people’s inability to follow traffic rules.
Data compiled by Pakistan’s Bureau of Statistics show that in the year 2021 alone, there were 10,379 road accidents resulting in 4,566 deaths.
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