Islamabad–Lahore Motorway Bus Crash Leaves 8 Dead

A passenger bus traveling from Islamabad to Lahore overturned on the M‑2 Motorway near Balkassar Interchange, resulting in eight fatalities on the spot and a ninth passenger succumbing later at the hospital. Over 30 others were injured, many critically. According to Motorway Police and Rescue 1122, a tyre burst caused the driver to lose control, resulting in the vehicle entering a roadside ditch. Among the dead were four children and several women. The tragedy highlights persistent road safety risks on Pakistan’s highways and has prompted renewed calls for stricter enforcement and vehicle checks.

• Route: Islamabad to Lahore via M‑2 Motorway

• Crash Location: Near Balkassar Interchange, Chakwal district (Dhok Sial area)

• Fatalities: Eight on the spot; one died later in the hospital, totaling nine

• Injured: Over 30 passengers, including children and women

• Cause: Front-left tyre burst, leading to loss of control and overturn

• Passenger Load: Approximately 40 on board, including a Filipino resident of Lahore

• Emergency Response: Motorway Police, Rescue 1122, Chakwal Police, and FWO units quickly responded

• Medical Transfers: Injured taken to Chakwal DHQ Hospital and Kallar Kahar Trauma Centre

• Around 7:15 am, the bus near Dhoke Sial—just 2 km from Balkassar—experienced a tyre blowout.

• The driver lost control, causing the bus to veer off the motorway and overturn into a ditch.

• Eight passengers, including four children (ages ranging from 8 months to 14 years), died at the scene. In total, nine fatalities were later confirmed after one more died in the hospital.

• Rescue operations were activated immediately, with six rescue vehicles and 25 personnel working the scene. They provided first aid and transferred victims to local hospitals.

• Among the deceased were:

• Two-year-old Haram, her 14-year-old sister Khadija, and their eight-year-old brother Ahmed

• An eight-month-old infant, Haider, and his mother, Ume Rubab

• Adults, including Habiba (35), Sardar Nadeem (45), Mansha Begum (38), and one of the bus drivers

• The injured group includes 20+ individuals with injuries ranging from fractures to deep lacerations. A Filipino woman married in Lahore, identified as Emy Dela Cruz, is among those hospitalized

• Rescue teams, including Rescue 1122, Motorway Police, Chakwal police, and FWO units, initiated a coordinated emergency response.

• Victims were transported to DHQ Chakwal Hospital and Kallar Kahar Trauma Centre, with four critically injured patients referred to Rawalpindi.

• Chakwal DC Sarah Hayat and DPO Lt (retd) Ahmed Mohiuddin visited the hospital to oversee treatment and order a thorough investigation of the crash.

• Legal Measures: Motorway Police registered cases against the bus driver, company manager, and owner. An investigation focuses on tyre maintenance and speeding violations.

• Officials emphasized immediate vehicle inspections (tyres, brakes, steering) and urged drivers to comply with traffic rules

• This crash mirrors an earlier similar tragedy in the same region in February 2023, when a bus fell into a ravine near Kallar Kahar, killing 14. Investigations highlighted brake failure and hazardous overtaking attempts.

• Common causes of such accidents include overspeeding, poor vehicle maintenance, and weak enforcement of safety regulations on the motorway.

• The National Highways & Motorway Police (NHMP) regularly issues warnings via e-ticketing systems and speed monitoring, but incidents persist due to negligence and non-compliance.

• Ensure pre-trip vehicle inspections, particularly tyres and brakes—mandatory for long-distance coaches.

• Strict enforcement of speed limits and lane discipline on motorway stretches.

• Driver training and rest zones to prevent fatigue, especially for night and early morning shifts.

• Mandatory roadworthiness certification for commercial buses traveling long distances.

• Provision of emergency medical coverage and trauma support near rural motorway stretches.

The devastating Islamabad–Lahore motorway crash near Balkassar Interchange serves as a grim testament to Pakistan’s road safety issues—especially concerning commercial passenger transport. With nine lives lost, including children, the incident exposes chinks in vehicle maintenance protocols, driver oversight, and highway regulation enforcement.