17 dead as truck carrying pilgrims plunges into ravine in SW Pakistan

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) - At least 17 people were killed and dozens of others injured when a truck carrying pilgrims plunged into a ravine in the Hub district of southwestern Pakistan's Balochistan province, state media said on Thursday.

The truck was en route to a shrine in the city of Khuzdar, from Thatta in Sindh province, when it met with the accident. Around 50 people were also injured and shifted to hospital. The incident is said to have occurred late Wednesday.

Leaders including Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended condolences to the bereaved families.

Road accidents in remote regions are common, mainly due to the hilly terrain and non-compliance with safety standards.