At least 11 people died and 33 were injured when a passenger bus crashed into a truck near Pakpattan in Punjab, Pakistan, on Thursday, November 5.
The accident occurred on Depalpur Road as a bus traveling from Multan to Kasur collided with an oncoming truck.
Local authorities reported that several passengers were trapped in the wreckage.
Emergency officials confirmed 11 fatalities and 33 injuries, with 8 individuals suffering minor injuries and 25 taken to the District Headquarters Hospital in Pakpattan.
Three Hour Rescue Operation
Emergency services launched a large scale rescue effort to free trapped passengers.
Rescue workers spent about three hours clearing the wreckage using cranes and heavy equipment.
Due to the crash’s severity, many passengers remained stuck inside the bus.
Local administration and district police officials were present at the scene.
Emergency Declared at Pakpattan Hospital
Pakpattan Deputy Commissioner Asif Raza declared a medical emergency at the District Headquarters Hospital.
Additional doctors were called in to treat the injured.
District Police Officer Javed Iqbal Chadhar was also on site.
The district administration instructed hospital staff to provide immediate medical care to all injured passengers.
Officials visited the hospital to monitor the condition of the injured.
President Offers Condolences
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed his sorrow over the fatalities.
He extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished for a swift recovery for the injured.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also expressed her grief and emphasized the need for quality medical care for the injured. She requested updates on the incident and oversight of the rescue operation.
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also shared his condolences.
Growing Concern Over Road Safety in Punjab
This tragic collision has heightened concerns about road safety in Punjab.
Emergency services reported 44,797 road accidents in Punjab in October, resulting in 464 deaths and 23,543 serious injuries.
Nearly three quarters of these accidents involved motorcyclists, placing significant pressure on emergency services.
Throughout the month, Rescue 1122 teams responded to over 231,000 incidents.
This latest fatal crash near Pakpattan underscores the urgent need for improved road safety, emergency services, and stricter traffic enforcement.
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident as families cope with the tragedy and the injured receive care.