JHANG:
At least 14 people were killed and 29 others injured in a road accident on Faisalabad road near Quli Faqeer stop when a speeding passenger van collided head-on with a University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) bus.
Police sources said the passenger van was on its way from Faisalabad to Jhang when the driver tried to overtake a tractor trailer loaded with sugarcane
During the risky maneuver, the van crossed into the opposite lane and crashed into an oncoming university bus. The UVAS bus was transporting students to Lahore to attend a sports gala.
Due to the severity of the collision, nine people died on the spot while 29 sustained injuries, three of whom were reported to be in critical condition.
Rescue 1122 team rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital after providing first aid.
Five more injured passengers later succumbed to their wounds in hospital, bringing the death toll to 14.
Deputy Commissioner Ali Akbar and District Police Officer Bilal Iftikhar reached the accident site soon after receiving information and directed the health authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif took notice of the incident and sought a detailed report from the district administration.
She directed the Deputy Commissioner to personally supervise the treatment of the injured and ensure all possible medical facilities.
The deceased were identified as van driver Ali Haider, Faizan, Muhammad Rafiq, Sami Anjum, Rubia and her two-year-old son Muhammad Musa, Kishwar Bibi, Barkat, Abdul Rasheed and his wife Shehnaz Bibi and Sultan Ahmed.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident, while eyewitnesses blamed excessive speed and reckless overtaking for the tragic crash.
