By Our Correspondent
MARDAN – At least 18 people lost their lives and several others sustained injuries after a speeding passenger coach crashed into another vehicle parked on the roadside along the Swat Expressway near Ismailia in Rustam tehsil on Monday, officials said.
According to motorway police, the accident took place near Saeedabad Khoro Koto Bridge when a passenger bus developed a mechanical fault in its generator and stopped by the roadside. A fast-moving flying coach travelling from behind slammed into the stationary vehicle, causing severe destruction and heavy casualties.
Rescue officials said the victims were believed to belong to the districts of Upper Dir and Bajaur, although formal identification was still underway.
Emergency teams rushed to the scene soon after the collision and launched rescue operations. The injured and bodies of the deceased were shifted to hospitals in Mardan for treatment and medico-legal procedures.
Sohail Afridi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and eternal peace for those who lost their lives.
Road accidents remain common on highways and motorways across Pakistan due to speeding, reckless driving, driver fatigue and poor vehicle maintenance, while damaged road infrastructure often worsens the risks.
Earlier this month, five people were killed and 10 others injured after a passenger van plunged into a ravine in Charbagh tehsil of Swat district.
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