A passenger coach travelling from Gwadar to Karachi collided with a van near Othal Zero Point in Balochistan’s Lasbela district, police said.
LASBELA, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: At least 12 people were killed and more than 20 others injured when a passenger coach and a van collided near Othal Zero Point in Lasbela district of Balochistan on Friday, police said.
The coach was travelling from Gwadar towards Karachi, while the van was heading from Karachi towards Lasbela when the vehicles collided, according to reports citing police officials.
Rescue teams, police and Levies personnel reached the scene and began emergency operations. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment, while authorities launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
12 People Killed in Collision Near Othal
The accident occurred near Othal Zero Point, a highway location in Lasbela district frequently used by vehicles travelling between Karachi and other parts of Balochistan.
Police confirmed that 12 people had died in the collision. A report by Pakistan Connect said the deceased included men and women, although the breakdown of casualties requires further official confirmation.
The number of injured passengers was reported at more than 20, with Pakistan Connect reporting that 22 injured people had been taken to nearby hospitals. Some were reportedly in critical condition.
Rescue Teams Respond to the Emergency
Emergency responders rushed to the accident site after receiving information about the collision and began assisting the victims.
Dr Hakeem Lasi, who is in charge of the Edhi Foundation in Lasbela, said rescue teams had reached the scene and started relief operations, according to Pakistan Connect.
The injured were transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment. Police and Levies personnel also reached the area to manage the situation and investigate the incident.
Cause of the Accident Under Investigation
Authorities have begun investigating the collision to determine what led to the crash.
Pakistan Connect reported that police suspected speeding by the passenger coach, while BOL News said officials had not released further details establishing the cause.
The precise circumstances of the collision have therefore not been independently established. Any claim of driver negligence or speeding should be treated as preliminary unless confirmed by investigators.
Highway Traffic and Further Updates
The collision prompted emergency activity along the highway as rescue personnel assisted victims and authorities examined the scene.
Pakistan Connect reported that traffic on the highway had been restored. Further official information about the victims, the condition of injured passengers and the investigation was still awaited in the reports reviewed.
The incident highlights the serious consequences of road crashes on highways connecting Balochistan with Karachi. The final cause of the collision and any further change in the casualty figures will depend on confirmation from the relevant authorities.
