A passenger bus traveling from Quetta to Peshawar in Pakistan crashed on Friday, July 3, 2026, killing 40 people. The bus was already carrying 36 passengers when the driver stopped to pick up more travelers from another broken-down vehicle. Despite protests from some passengers who worried about the extra weight on the dangerous mountain road, the driver allowed 12 more people to board, bringing the total to 48.
While driving on the Sherani-Zhob highway in the Dana Sar area, the driver lost control of the overloaded bus. Investigators believe excessive speed and possible brake failure caused the accident. The bus went off the road and fell about 70 to 80 feet into a ravine.
Rescue teams faced difficulties reaching the crash site due to the remote and rugged terrain. They used heavy equipment to cut through the wreckage. Forty people died, including women and children. Eight passengers survived and were taken to the hospital in Zhob.
Officials are investigating the crash. The chief minister of Balochistan has demanded a full investigation, and the transport company's offices were closed. The president and prime minister expressed their sadness. Fatal accidents are common in Pakistan due to poor roads and traffic law enforcement. Officials have promised to improve safety measures, but for the families of the victims, these promises come too late.