18 Killed in Pakistan Bus Crash

When an overnight bus collided with another vehicle carrying fuel in eastern Pakistan on Sunday, at least 18 passengers died from burn injuries, according to officials.

The collision happened on a highway near the town of Pindi Bhattian in the eastern Punjab province at about 4:30 am (2330 GMT on Saturday). 

"The entire bus was consumed by flames in less than five minutes. According to senior police officer Fahad Ahmed, four of the 16 injured persons are in severe condition. Meanwhile, 18 people were burnt to death. 

"It appears that the bus driver fell asleep." 

Drums of gasoline and fuel were being transported by the Suzuki open-back van.

Pakistan's terrible road safety record is a result of ramshackle motorways, low safety regulations, and irresponsible driving.

Because passenger buses are usually overcrowded and seatbelt use is not widespread, single vehicle accidents frequently result in large mortality tolls.

A bus that crashed off a bridge and caught fire in southwest Pakistan in January killed at least 40 passengers.

Source: Dawn