At least 19 people die as bus plunges into ravine in Zhob

At least 19 people were killed while 11 others were injured after a passenger bus plunged into a ravine in Balochistan's Zhob district on Sunday morning, officials said.

The bus, which was carrying more than 30 passengers, was travelling from Islamabad to Quetta. Television footage showed rescue workers assisting bloodied passengers, while in another scene, the wreckage could be seen.

Sherani Assistant Commissioner Mehtab Shah said the incident occurred near Dhana Sar. He said that the bus plunged into the ravine while speeding, killing 19 passengers and injuring 11 others.

Rescue teams rushed to the scene soon after receiving information, Shah said, adding that the bodies had been taken to the hospital where the process to identify them was underway.

Medical superintendent of Civil Hospital Zhob, Dr Noorul Haq, said that the injured being brought to the facility were in critical condition. He also said that the death toll was expected to rise.

Meanwhile, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo expressed grief over the lives lost in the incident. He also expressed sincere condolences to the families of the victims.

The chief minister directed Rescue 1122 and the Zhob administration to reach the scene and begin relief work. He also ordered to impose an emergency in Civil Hospital Zhob to ensure treatment for the injured.