In a devastating incident that has shaken Pakistan, a bus crash has resulted in the loss of at least 20 lives and left 11 more people injured.

The tragedy unfolded in a fiery inferno, engulfing the intercity bus and leaving a trail of destruction on a motorway near Pindi Bhattian, Punjab, as per AP News.

Tragedy Strikes Pakistan

The bus, carrying over 40 passengers from Karachi to Islamabad, collided with a van parked on the motorway's hard shoulder. The accident occurred at around 4:30 AM local time on a fateful Sunday. The collision proved catastrophic as the van, which was carrying fuel drums, burst into flames upon impact.

The ensuing fireball quickly spread to the surrounding area, leading to the inferno that consumed both vehicles and claimed lives in its wake.

Among the victims were the drivers of both the bus and the van, adding to the tragedy's toll. The initial reports indicated that several passengers were left in critical condition due to burns sustained while attempting to escape the engulfing flames.

Some managed to escape through windows, desperately seeking safety from the spreading fire. The enormity of the incident has left investigators grappling to ascertain the full extent of the casualties, with Sultan Khawaja, the head of Pakistan's National Highways & Motorway Police, stating that the death toll is likely to rise.

The magnitude of the catastrophe has shocked the nation, and the aftermath paints a grim picture of the scene. Authorities revealed that some bodies were so severely burned that DNA analysis would be necessary for identification.

The incident has thrust questions into the spotlight concerning the condition of Pakistan's roads, lax traffic regulations, and the often-disregarded safety measures by drivers.

The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, with early indications suggesting that the bus driver may have dozed off behind the wheel. Fahad Ahmed, a senior police officer, shared that the initial belief is that the bus driver had fallen asleep, leading to the collision, Daily Mail reported.

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Urgent Need for Stricter Enforcement and Cultural Shift

However, the investigation has not yet definitively established whether the accident resulted from the bus driver's drowsiness or excessive speeding. This tragic occurrence brings to the forefront the dangers that persist on Pakistan's roads due to the combination of lax enforcement of traffic rules and the frequent disregard of safety measures by drivers.

Fatal road accidents are an all-too-frequent occurrence in the country, fueled by these systemic issues. Many drivers openly flout speed limits, ignore the use of seatbelts, and undertake long journeys without adequate rest.

The lax adherence to traffic regulations and the common practices of speeding and drowsy driving contribute to the alarming frequency of road accidents.

As a result, the toll of lives lost and injuries sustained in these incidents continues to mount. While the specific circumstances of the recent crash are being investigated, it serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety measures, enhanced enforcement of traffic rules, and a shift in cultural norms regarding responsible driving habits.

As Pakistan mourns the lives lost in this tragic bus crash and confronts the painful reality of its road safety challenges, the incident underscores the importance of addressing these issues comprehensively.

Stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, campaigns promoting responsible driving practices, and investments in road infrastructure are all essential components of a concerted effort to prevent further loss of life on the nation's roads, according to The Sun.

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