BADIN: A medical emergency was declared at the Matli Civil Hospital and Tando Ghulam Ali RHC (rural health centre) on Friday morning after as many as 46 men, women and children were taken to the health facilities after a road accident.

Reports from the site, a section of the road leading to Tando Ghulam Ali town, suggested that a speeding coaster bearing registration No. 3028 dashed against a roadside tree.

Some of the survivors said that three of the 46 people on board died instantly. There were many women and children among the passengers, they added.

They said the bus driver had to hit the tree to avoid crushing an animal herd, which had suddenly appeared ahead giving him no time to avert the accident.

The coaster was completely destroyed and there was a hue and cry all around when it hit the tree and overturned, they said.

Police and hospital sources said that besides the three bodies, 18 women and children were taken to the two health facilities for treatment. Nine of the critically injured were later referred and rushed to the Hyderabad Civil Hospital, they said.

While one of the three deceased was yet to be identified, the other two were identified as Sahibdino, 23, and Mohammad Azan, 19. Tando Ghulam Ali SHO Ayaz Bhatti told the media that an inquiry into the incident was underway.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2026