Tragic Road Accidents in Pakistan Claim 23 Lives

On January 17, two devastating road accidents in Pakistan resulted in the deaths of 23 individuals, highlighting critical issues surrounding road safety and visibility. In Balochistan, a passenger coach overturned on the Makran Coastal Highway, while in Punjab, a mini-truck plunged into a dry canal amid dense fog. Both incidents have raised alarms about the need for stricter traffic regulations and caution during adverse weather conditions. Authorities are investigating the causes of these tragic events, as the nation mourns the loss of life and calls for improved safety measures on the roads.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 17, 2026, 15:55 IST

Fatal Incidents Highlight Road Safety Issues

Islamabad, Jan 17: On Saturday, two separate road accidents in Balochistan and Punjab resulted in the deaths of at least 23 individuals, raising serious concerns about road safety, speeding, and poor visibility conditions in Pakistan.

The first tragedy occurred on the Makran Coastal Highway near Gwadar, where a passenger coach overturned, leading to nine fatalities and injuring 36 others, according to local media.

Police reports indicate that the accident took place near Hudd Goth in Ormara when a coach traveling from Jiwani to Karachi lost control. The vehicle was operated by a private transport company named Al Usman.

Authorities from the Coastal Highway police suggested that overspeeding was the primary factor behind the crash. Superintendent of Police Aslam Bangulzai noted that the driver could not maintain control due to excessive speed, resulting in this tragic incident. Emergency teams quickly arrived at the scene to transport the injured and deceased to Ormara Tehsil Hospital.

Hospital officials reported that several injured passengers were in critical condition, raising concerns that the death toll might increase.

Ongoing investigations are being conducted, with police gathering information about the driver and the transport company involved.

Balochistan's Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti expressed his condolences to the families affected by this tragedy and instructed the Gwadar deputy commissioner to ensure that the injured receive the best medical care possible. He also ordered ambulance services to assist in transporting the deceased back to their hometowns.

In a separate incident in Punjab's Sargodha district, a mini-truck plunged into a dry canal due to dense fog, resulting in the deaths of 14 people. This accident occurred near Ghalapur Bangla in Kot Momin tehsil, where extremely low visibility caused the vehicle to veer off course.

Rescue officials reported that seven individuals died at the scene, while another seven succumbed to their injuries at local hospitals.

At the time of the accident, 23 passengers were traveling in the truck from Islamabad to Faisalabad to attend a funeral. The driver had chosen a local route due to motorway closures caused by fog. Among the deceased were women and children, all hailing from Islamabad.

Rescue teams conducted operations to assist the injured and recover the bodies, while authorities emphasized the importance of exercising caution during adverse weather conditions and the strict enforcement of traffic safety laws.