Death toll from road accident in Pakistan rises to 27

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - Death toll from Monday’s collision between a passenger bus and a fuel-carrying truck jumped to 27, as 17 more charred bodies were taken out of the ill-fated bus, officials said on Tuesday.

The accident occurred in Lasbella district of southwestern Balochistan province -- some 116 kilometers (72 miles) from Karachi -- when a bus with over 40 passengers onboard collided with a speeding truck coming from opposite direction on Monday.

Some 16 passengers -- five of them critically -- were also injured in the accident, Shabbir Mengal, deputy commissioner Lasbella, told reporters.

The truck was reportedly carrying smuggled Iranian oil -- a routine activity in the region.

Both vehicles involved in the accident caught fire following the accident, burning several passengers alive.

Mengal said that 26 bodies were badly charred and beyond recognition.

Pakistan has had a long history of road and rail accidents, mainly because of poor infrastructure and safety standards.