Details of the Incident
The accident took place near the Salt Range, a particularly dangerous section of the M2 known for its steep curves and challenging terrain. Witnesses describe the bus, which was en route from Lahore to Islamabad, veering off the road before hitting a barrier and overturning. The vehicle was carrying 25 passengers at the time.
Rescue teams were quick to arrive at the scene, and local authorities have confirmed that five individuals lost their lives instantly, while 12 others sustained critical injuries. Those injured were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, where some remain in critical condition.
Alleged Cause: Driver Fatigue
The incident has sparked outrage and concern about the safety of public transport in Pakistan, particularly the long-haul buses that often operate late into the night. Early investigations suggest that the driver may have been suffering from fatigue after long hours behind the wheel, leading to him dozing off and losing control of the bus.
Driver fatigue is a leading cause of accidents on Pakistan’s motorways, especially on routes that stretch for hundreds of kilometers with little opportunity for rest.
Road Safety and Public Transport Concerns
This tragic event highlights the urgent need for stricter safety measures in the public transport sector. It has raised several important questions:
- Are bus companies enforcing proper breaks and rest periods for their drivers?
- Is there adequate monitoring of drivers’ health and well-being on long routes?
- How can authorities ensure that overworked drivers do not pose a risk to passengers?
Passengers, too, are now calling for better regulation of bus services, with some questioning whether the driver was pushed to cover too many miles in a short period.
The Way Forward: Stricter Regulations Needed
This heartbreaking accident serves as a wake-up call for transport authorities and bus operators to implement tighter controls on driver hours and health checks. More comprehensive safety inspections and technological solutions, such as real-time monitoring systems for drivers, could prevent future tragedies.
The victims and their families deserve justice, and as investigations continue, it’s imperative that all parties involved are held accountable.
Our thoughts are with the families of those affected, and we hope that the injured make a swift recovery. This incident is a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the dire consequences when proper measures are not in place.