A tragic road accident near Nokundi in Balochistan claimed the lives of 11 people, while nine others sustained injuries after a high-speed pickup truck collided with an oil tanker on Sunday. The incident once again highlights the dangers of reckless driving and inadequate road safety measures in remote areas of the province.
According to police and rescue sources, the collision occurred when a speeding pickup vehicle crashed into an oil tanker near Nokundi. The impact was severe, resulting in multiple fatalities on the spot. Rescue teams rushed to the scene immediately after the accident and transported the injured and deceased to Nokundi Hospital for medical assistance and legal formalities.
Hospital sources confirmed that the injured individuals received initial medical treatment, while bodies of the deceased were shifted to the hospital mortuary. Due to the severity of injuries, several victims were reported to be in critical condition upon arrival.
Police officials stated that all the deceased and injured individuals were Afghan nationals. After completing necessary medico-legal procedures, the injured and deceased were later shifted to Afghanistan through the border route, a move that was also confirmed by SP Chagai.
Further investigation revealed that the driver of the pickup truck belonged to Taftan. Following legal formalities, his body was handed over to authorities and sent to Taftan for burial. The police have initiated an inquiry into the incident to determine the exact cause of the accident, with overspeeding believed to be a major factor.
Road accidents are a recurring issue in Balochistan, particularly on highways connecting border regions, where long distances, poor road conditions, and lack of traffic enforcement increase risks for travelers. Local residents have repeatedly called on authorities to improve road safety infrastructure, enforce speed limits, and ensure regular vehicle inspections to prevent such deadly incidents.
Officials emphasized the need for stricter monitoring of heavy transport vehicles, including oil tankers, which often travel on these routes. They also urged drivers to observe traffic rules, especially in areas where visibility is limited and emergency response facilities are far away.
The incident has caused grief on both sides of the border, while authorities continue to stress the importance of precautionary measures to reduce loss of life on Balochistan’s highways.
