At least 40 people lost their lives and eight others were injured when a passenger bus plunged into a deep ravine in the Danasar area of Zhob, Balochistan.According to police and local officials, the tragic accident is believed to have been caused by a suspected brake failure.

The bus was reportedly travelling in a border region between Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when the driver lost control, resulting in the vehicle falling into the ravine.Rescue operations were immediately launched, with emergency teams from both Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa taking part in the response.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Health Department, Frontier Corps (FC), and other relevant agencies were mobilised to assist in rescue and recovery efforts.The injured, including women and children, were shifted to District Headquarters Hospital Zhob for urgent medical treatment.Officials also revealed that the bus was carrying more passengers than its official capacity.

Preliminary reports suggest that passengers from another broken-down bus were also accommodated in the ill-fated vehicle, which may have further contributed to overcrowding and safety risks.Authorities have launched a detailed inquiry to determine the exact cause of the crash and to assess negligence factors.Senior officials, including the Balochistan Chief Minister’s adviser on media, confirmed the death toll and expressed grief over the incident.

President Asif Ali Zardari also extended condolences, praying for the departed souls and directing authorities to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured.

The government has assured that full facts of the incident will be made public after completion of the investigation, while efforts continue to identify victims and support affected families.