In a devastating incident early Sunday morning, a passenger bus en route from Islamabad to Lahore met with a tragic accident near the Balkassar Interchange on the Islamabad-Lahore Motorway (M2) in Chakwal district, Punjab. The crash claimed the lives of nine passengers and left at least 30 others injured.
According to the spokesperson for Chakwal Rescue 1122, the accident occurred when one of the bus’s tyres burst, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The bus plunged into a roadside ditch and overturned near the Balkassar Interchange. Over 40 passengers were reportedly on board at the time of the accident.
Eight people were pronounced dead at the scene, while one woman later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. Tragically, among the deceased were four children, including an eight-month-old infant, a one-year-old baby, and two sisters aged 14 and two. The eldest among the victims was 45 years old.
The injured were transported to nearby medical facilities, including the Kallar Kahar Tehsil Headquarters Hospital and the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Chakwal. Dr. Mukhtar Sarwar Niazi, Medical Superintendent at DHQ Hospital, confirmed that out of the 12 patients received there, four were critically injured and were being referred to Rawalpindi for advanced care.
District authorities, including Deputy Commissioner Sarah Hayat and Assistant Commissioner Zeeshan Sharif, visited the hospital to oversee treatment efforts and ensure the victims received all necessary medical assistance. The deputy commissioner also received a detailed briefing on the circumstances surrounding the accident.
A woman from the Philippines, identified as Emy Dela Cruz — married and residing in Lahore — was also among the injured.
Rescue operations were promptly launched with six vehicles dispatched by Rescue 1122. Personnel from the National Highways and Motorway Police, Chakwal Police, and the Frontier Works Organisation were also present at the scene to assist in rescue and recovery efforts.
District Police Officer Ahmed Mohiuddin has ordered a formal investigation into the crash. Meanwhile, Chakwal Rescue and Safety Officer Shaukat Ali emphasized the importance of vehicle fitness, urging all drivers to inspect their tyres, brakes, and steering systems before long journeys to prevent similar tragedies.
This incident adds to a growing list of fatal road accidents on Pakistan’s highways. Earlier this month, six people died and 27 were injured in a similar crash on the M2 near Chakri Interchange. In February, eight people were killed and over 40 injured in another bus accident near Bhagal village, close to the same Balkassar Interchange.
Road safety remains a major concern in Pakistan, with frequent accidents often caused by overspeeding, mechanical failures, and driver negligence. Authorities continue to stress the need for strict adherence to safety standards and responsible driving practices to avoid further loss of life.
