RAJANPUR, October 21, 2026 – In yet another tragic incident on the Indus Highway, at least eight passengers, including women and children, were killed and 32 others sustained injuries when a speeding passenger bus overturned near Bangla Hidayat in Rajanpur district on Wednesday.
According to rescue and police officials, the ill-fated bus was traveling from Karachi to Dera Ghazi Khan when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The bus first rammed into the central divider and then overturned on the busy highway, trapping dozens of passengers inside.
The impact of the collision was so severe that the bus was completely mangled and the highway was blocked for traffic for several hours.
Soon after the incident, local people and police informed Rescue 1122. Rescue teams, along with ambulances and emergency staff, rushed to the spot and launched a large-scale relief operation.
Rescue officials said that eight people died on the spot due to critical injuries. The bodies and injured were immediately pulled out from the wreckage with the help of cutters.
Out of the 32 injured, at least 20 passengers who were in critical condition were shifted to District Headquarters Hospital Rajanpur and THQ Hospital for emergency medical treatment. The remaining 12 passengers who received minor injuries were given first aid on the spot. Hospital sources said that the death toll may rise as the condition of several injured is critical.
According to the district administration, heavy machinery was called to remove the overturned bus from the road. After completing the rescue and clearance operation, the Indus Highway has now been restored for all kinds of traffic.
Initial investigation by the police suggests that over-speeding and driver fatigue may be the cause of the accident. The bus had traveled a long distance from Karachi non-stop. Police have impounded the vehicle and started further investigation.
This is the second major accident on the Indus Highway in recent weeks, raising serious questions over road safety and enforcement of traffic rules for long-route passenger buses.
The Deputy Commissioner Rajanpur has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and directed the hospital administration to provide the best medical facilities to the injured. He also announced that the district administration will provide full support to the families of the victims.
Read also: Buner Resident Appeals Governor to Explore Tourist Destinations with Road Infrastructure
