Bus carrying pilgrims overturns near Kallar Kahar, injuring at least 30

CHAKWAL: At least 30 passengers were injured when a bus carrying pilgrims overturned on a downhill section near Darbar Mor in Kallar Kahar on the Chakwal-Sargodha Road on Sunday, according to rescue officials and initial reports.

Officials said the vehicle was travelling back from a shrine visit when the accident took place. Rescue authorities identified the bus as registration number LES-4174 and said it belonged to the Sheikh Burhan company. They added that 45 pilgrims were on board at the time of the incident.

According to the initial account, the bus went out of control while descending the hilly stretch and overturned. Preliminary reports indicated that the driver was unable to control the vehicle after an apparent brake failure. Initial reports also said the bus had been moving at excessive speed on the downhill road before the crash.

The passengers had travelled from Sambrial Tehsil in Sialkot district to the shrine at Kallar Kahar and were returning when the accident occurred.

Among those injured were 11 women and four children, while several of the wounded were reported to be in critical condition. Rescue 1122 teams reached the site and began relief work soon after the incident.

After being given first aid at the scene, all injured passengers were shifted to the Trauma Centre in Kallar Kahar for treatment, officials said.

Police sealed off the area around the crash site and worked to restore the flow of traffic on the road.

An inquiry has been ordered into the incident on the directions of the deputy commissioner. Chakwal Deputy Commissioner Sarah Hayat took immediate notice of the accident and issued instructions for emergency response measures.

The assistant commissioner of Kallar Kahar was directed to stay at the site and supervise the rescue operation.

Inquiry launched after crash

Authorities said the circumstances surrounding the accident are being examined as part of the inquiry ordered after the bus overturned. The early findings point to brake failure and loss of control on the descent, though officials have initiated a formal process to determine the cause.

The incident occurred on a hilly stretch near Kallar Kahar, an area where downhill traffic requires careful handling. Emergency teams remained engaged in rescue and traffic management after the crash, while the injured continued to receive treatment at the local trauma centre.