A horrific accident on Wednesday night claimed the lives of at least 17 pilgrims travelling to the Shah Noorani shrine in Balochistan. The overloaded truck carrying pilgrims from Thatta district, Sindh, plunged into a ditch near Hub, leaving over 50 injured.
Sindh Chief Minister Visits Injured
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah visited the injured at the Civil Hospital’s Trauma Centre in Karachi. He confirmed 17 deaths and said the critically injured remain on ventilators. Two injured children are receiving treatment at the National Institute of Child Health.
Investigation and Assistance
The cause of the accident is under investigation by the Balochistan government. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed condolences and directed authorities to provide necessary medical care to the injured.
Driver Detained, Bodies Identified
Police have detained the injured truck driver, Karim Baksh. While some reports suggest the accident occurred due to a bad turn, relatives claim the truck lost control. Fifteen of the deceased have been identified.
Rescue Efforts and Aftermath
Social worker Saad Edhi described the swift rescue operation, transferring the bodies to the Edhi morgue in Karachi. The injured were taken to hospitals in Hub and Karachi. Relatives, mourning in Makli village, plan to bury the deceased there.
Balochistan Government Responds
Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti ordered swift action, directing the injured to hospitals and imposing an emergency at the Jam Ghulam Qadir Hospital in Hub. They are also coordinating with Sindh to transfer critically injured patients to Karachi.
Interior Minister Offers Condolences
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed his condolences and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
History of Accidents
This incident follows a similar one in December 2023, where a bus carrying pilgrims from Shah Noorani caught fire in Hub district, injuring several and killing one.
