A tragic bus accident in the Jamal Din Wali area of Rahim Yar Khan has claimed a fourth life, officials confirmed on Wednesday, as one of the injured passengers succumbed to injuries while under treatment at a local hospital. The incident has once again highlighted the dangers posed by dense winter fog and poor visibility on highways across southern Punjab.
According to rescue and hospital authorities, the accident occurred a day earlier near the airport area of Jamal Din Wali when a passenger bus veered off the road and overturned into a roadside ditch. At the time of the crash, three people lost their lives on the spot, while at least 12 others sustained injuries of varying severity. The death toll rose to four after one critically injured passenger died during treatment.
Rescue officials stated that thick fog in the area significantly reduced visibility, making it difficult for the driver to maintain control of the vehicle. Preliminary findings suggest that the bus skidded off the road due to low visibility and possibly overspeeding in hazardous weather conditions. Authorities are continuing to investigate the exact circumstances surrounding the crash, including the condition of the vehicle and whether safety protocols were followed.
Hospital sources confirmed that several injured passengers were rushed to nearby medical facilities immediately after the accident. While most of the injured are reported to be in stable condition, two passengers remain in critical condition and are receiving intensive medical care. Doctors said that the next 24 to 48 hours would be crucial for their recovery.
Eyewitnesses at the scene described chaotic moments following the accident, as local residents rushed to help trapped passengers before rescue teams arrived. “The fog was extremely dense, and visibility was almost zero,” said one witness. “We heard a loud noise and then saw the bus lying in a ditch. People were crying for help.”
Rescue 1122 teams, along with police, responded swiftly, carrying out relief operations and transporting the injured to hospitals. Police officials also worked to clear the area and manage traffic, which was temporarily disrupted due to the accident and ongoing foggy conditions.
Authorities have once again urged drivers to exercise extreme caution while traveling during foggy weather, particularly in the early morning and late-night hours. Traffic police have advised motorists to reduce speed, use fog lights, maintain safe distances, and avoid unnecessary travel when visibility is poor. Public transport operators have also been reminded of their responsibility to ensure passenger safety and adhere strictly to traffic regulations.
Road accidents caused by fog are a recurring issue in Punjab during the winter season. Each year, dozens of lives are lost due to reduced visibility, speeding, and lack of precautionary measures. Despite repeated warnings from authorities, many drivers continue to underestimate the risks associated with driving in foggy conditions.
Local administration officials said that awareness campaigns would be intensified to educate drivers and transport companies about road safety during adverse weather. They also stressed the importance of regular vehicle inspections and proper driver training to prevent such tragedies.
The families of the victims have expressed deep grief over the loss of their loved ones. Local residents have called on the government to improve road safety measures, including better signage, lighting, and monitoring on accident-prone routes, particularly in fog-affected areas.
As investigations continue, authorities have assured that responsibility will be fixed if any negligence is found. Meanwhile, the tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the need for caution, responsibility, and strict enforcement of traffic laws to save lives on Pakistan’s roads.
