Bus and truck crash in eastern Pakistan kills 11
Rescuers spent three hours freeing trapped passengers in Pakpattan district after the collision injured 33 others.
By Harper Collins ·
At least 11 people died when a passenger bus crashed into a truck in eastern Pakistan on Thursday. Police and rescue officials confirmed that 33 other people were injured in the collision.
Dr. Ahmad Raza, a hospital official, identified the location of the crash as Pakpattan district in Punjab province. The accident triggered an emergency response at the local hospital. Authorities called in additional doctors and medical staff to treat the large number of wounded patients, Raza said.
Rescue workers used cranes and heavy machinery to pull trapped passengers out of the wreckage. Police said the operation took three hours to complete.
President Asif Ali Zardari issued a statement expressing sorrow over the deaths. He offered condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Road accidents are frequent in Pakistan due to poor road conditions, weak traffic law enforcement, and unsafe driving habits. Last month, a bus and a van collided in southwestern Balochistan province. That crash killed at least 12 people and injured about two dozen others.
