By Samandar Khan

CHAKWAL: At least five passengers were killed and 24 others injured after a passenger bus fell into a deep ravine near Dhok Pathan village in the Talagang area of Chakwal district during the early hours of Tuesday.

The accident occurred around 2:15am on the night between January 6 and 7 when the bus, travelling from Rawalpindi to Bahawalpur, reportedly lost control at a sharp turn and plunged more than 100 feet into a ravine.

According to officials of Rescue 1122, the bus belonged to Kainat Travels and was using an alternative route after the motorway was closed due to dense fog. The vehicle skidded while negotiating a bend near Dhok Pathan, resulting in the fatal crash.

Four of the deceased were identified as Muhammad Ishaq, 33, a resident of Lodhran; Zia Ahmed, 40, from Kotli Sattiyan in Rawalpindi district; Muhammad Ramzan, 45; and Abdul Sattar, 60, both from Multan. The identity of the fifth victim had not been confirmed by late Tuesday.

The injured — including men, women, and children — belonged to different parts of the country, including Multan, Bahawalpur, Karachi, Khanewal, Layyah, Rahim Yar Khan, Rawalpindi, and Swat. They were shifted to hospitals in Talagang and Chakwal after receiving initial medical assistance at the site. Rescue officials said several of the injured were in critical condition.

Authorities said an investigation had been launched to determine the exact cause of the accident, while rescue teams continued clearance and recovery operations in the area.

Also read: Passenger Coach Falls into Gorge on Swat Motorway, 4 Dead Including Children, 18 Injured